The House of Representatives passed H.R. 1, the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act," which includes provisions to (i) eliminate the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) annuity supplement, and (ii) forcing employees to choose between at-will employment or an additional 5% increase in contributions toward FERS, essentially an additional 5% pay cut, and (iii) charging a fee for appeals to the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB).

Elimination of the FERS annuity supplement is applicable to those starting their entitlement on or after 1/1/28, clawing back earned and vested retirement benefits based on past work history. 

The provisions to choose between at-will employment and a pay cut and a fee for appeals to MSPB would undermine the merit-based civil service, which does not exist to protect federal employees; it exists to protect against cronyism and corruption in the civil service and fill the ranks of government with qualified individuals. Congress should protect the merit-based civil service, not encourage employees to undermine it.

NARFE, along with our members and allies have been successful in removing previous provisions of the bill. The Oversight and Government Reform Committee Print included provisions to (i) increase employee contributions toward retirement without any increase in benefits, and (ii) base retirements on the highest five years of salary rather than the highest three years (as of 1/1/27). Both of those were stricken prior to House floor consideration. 

We still have time to push to remove the rest of the objectionable provisions. NOW is the time to act, and we need your help. Make your voice heard, and tell your representatives and senators  to oppose cuts to your earned federal retirement and health benefits!