Federal pay has not kept pace with inflation, and retention of feds is at a severe risk. Regrettably, President Trump's FY2026 budget request freezes pay for federal employees in 2026. The Federal Salary Council recently reported that federal workers earned nearly 25 percent less than private sector counterparts, a growing disparity that will only force more of the best and brightest out of federal service.  

FMA endorsed the Federal Adjustment to Income Rates (FAIR) Act (H.R. 493 / S. 126) in January 2025, which would provide an average 4.3 percent pay raise in 2026. However, while FMA continues to support the FAIR Act, we will now prioritize our advocacy on providing federal employees, who provide services to the country with a similar commitment to their uniformed military counterparts, with pay parity and a 3.8 percent raise for 2026.

Federal managers, and indeed all feds, deserve to be treated with respect for their efforts and the dedicated work they perform. Civil servants ensure our citizens are protected from enemies and disease, and ensure our way of life is protected for generations to come. It is not too much to ask that, in return, feds be given the ability to maintain a living wage that keeps up with inflation and that provides for them and their families.