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NARFE Responds To Reported Threats in the President’s 2018 Budget

May 19, 2017

In response to a report by The Washington Post regarding President Trump’s fiscal year 2018 budget, NARFE President Richard Thissen said the following:

“The rumored details of President Trump’s first full budget with respect to federal employees and retirees are nothing short of an egregious attack on federal service and seniors. The President purports to defend government annuities like Social Security and then proposes to eliminate cost-of-living adjustments for some and limit COLAs for those already retired and living on fixed incomes. It is beyond insulting. It is downright mean. Simultaneously promoting tax cuts and forcing a tax on just federal employees, through an increase in retirement contributions, is the height of hypocrisy.

“This Administration, more than any before it, and this country need a quality and experienced civil service to ensure the faithful execution of our laws and the delivery of services critical to hard-working taxpayers. Arbitrarily decreasing benefits will not only lead to an exodus of experienced employees, but will also threaten the very safety of our nation. 

“Federal families are taxpayers, too. The disrespect this budget shows to those who defend our country undermines morale and denigrates the integrity and commitment of those civil servants who serve in every American community. This rumored budget proposal is unconscionable. I urge Congress to recognize the President’s Budget for the flawed document it is. Every day, federal employees and retirees put country first. Our spending priorities should as well. This budget is a giant leap in the wrong direction.”