The Senate and House approved a spending bill that would increase military and civilian federal employees' pay by 3.9 percent in 2009, higher than the president's budget which included a meager 2.9 percent for civilians employees and 3.4 percent for military members. The president is expected to sign it this week as part of the Omnibus bill.

The goal of these increases is to provide for a cost of living adjustment, as well as make military pay commensurate with civilian pay for similar jobs.

Congress's move drew praise from federal labor unions and management groups, which continue to lobby for parity between civilians and military members and for a raise higher than the president's request.

Senator Carl Levin (D-MI), Chairman of the Armed Services Committee, said, "I am very pleased that we have been able to reach agreement with the House Armed Services Committee on a bill that provides our troops and their families with the support they deserve."

The bill provides a 3.9 percent across-the-board pay raise for all uniformed personnel, a half a percent over the 3.4 percent raise President Bush proposed for service members earlier this year.

The pay hike would take effect on Jan. 1, 2009. A portion of the civilian raise would be allocated for locality pay; the rest would go toward an across-the-board increase.

Of course, we all realize that with the increasing costs of fuel, food, energy, and housing this 3.9 percent increase will really be a small pay cut, but the security of a federal job and meager raise during these difficult times is immeasurable. But don't' tell congress!

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