NATCA Bookshelf

Legislative Branch spending. At this time, there is no scheduled date for THUD to come to the House or Senate floor. NATCA Impact NATCA has continued to advocate for full funding for the FAA in our relevant Congressional appropriations bill. As FY 19 THUD appropriations bills continue to work their way through the legislative process, GA staff will closely monitor the legislation and include updates here. FY 19 HOUSE BUDGET RELEASED On June 21, the House Budget Committee approved a budget blueprint for fiscal year 2019, entitled "Budget for a Brighter American Future." The Committee passed the resolution by a vote of 21-13. Supporters of the budget maintained that the budget balances in nine years, addresses unsustainable mandatory spending, continues economic growth, encourages better government and greater accountability, and empowers state and local governments. Opponents argue that the budget would benefit mostly wealthy Americans and corporations and deplete Medicare, Medicaid, and other programs that help struggling Americans. Proposed Budget Cuts The House FY 19 Budget proposes cuts of more than $302 billion to federal programs and $32 billion from federal retirement benefits over 10 years. Specifically, as in years past, it calls for: • Increasing required Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) contributions by approximately 6 to 7 percent; • Eliminating the FERS annuity supplement; and, • Eliminating the FERS defined pension benefit. Next Steps It is unlikely this blueprint will advance through the House. Nevertheless, NATCA will remain vigilant and continue to advocate in opposition to the proposed cuts to federal employees and our NATCA members that are contained in this proposal. Background A Congressional "budget resolution" sets a spending framework for Congress to enact annual appropriations bills. While budget proposals do not have the force of law, they do set a framework for spending priorities. That is why NATCA analyzes any budget proposal to determine the potential impact on our members. 1.9% PAY RAISE APPROVED BY SENATE COMMITTEE The Senate Appropriations Committee voted Thursday, June 21 to give federal employees a 1.9 percent pay raise in 2019, rejecting President Trump's call for a pay freeze. The raise was included in the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations bill and now goes to the full Senate for consideration. The Committee also firmly rejected an amendment offered by Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) by a vote of 29-2. NATCA, along with several other unions, worked to defeat this amendment, which was a direct attack on federal employees. SENATE KILLS WHITE HOUSE RECISSION PACKAGE On June 20, the Senate rejected one of the White House's priorities when it defeated a bill to rescind about $15 billion in previously appropriated government funding. This bill,

• Cover