Lawmakers from Virginia and Maryland are leading a bipartisan push on Capitol Hill to block the Trump administration’s proposed freeze on federal employee pay for 2026. They argue that a 4.1% raise, already included in earlier congressional legislation, is needed to support the nearly quarter‑million federal workers who live and work in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.
Local leaders call for action
“Congress, do your job and override President Trump’s proposed freeze,” said Rep. James Walkinshaw (D‑Va). “Give federal employees the pay raise they deserve.” Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D‑Md) added, “If you are treating federal workers with disrespect, you’re treating with disrespect the people that are providing services to all of our constituents, the American people.”
The two legislators highlighted the strain caused by a year of government shutdowns and pay interruptions, noting that federal workers in the region have endured enough uncertainty.
Administration’s merit‑based plan
The Trump administration’s current pay plan would leave most civilian federal employees without any increase in base or locality pay next year, while law‑enforcement officers would receive a separate 3.8% raise. Supporters of the freeze argue the approach rewards merit and avoids a blanket raise.
Heritage Action’s Doug Blair said, “They’re targeted. One of the reasons why we support the bonus system as opposed to just a flat raise is because we want to ensure the American people are getting the best bang for their buck.”
Broad congressional backing
To date, a bipartisan coalition of 110 members of Congress has signed a letter urging House and Senate leaders to reject the freeze and adopt the 4.1% increase. Mercer Analytics notes that the average pay raise in the United States, when it occurs, is about 3.5%.
The effort reflects growing concern among local representatives that a pay freeze would disproportionately affect the DMV’s federal workforce, which is a critical component of the region’s economy and public services.
Next steps
Lawmakers plan to continue lobbying both chambers of Congress as the budget process moves forward. The White House has not yet responded to requests for comment.
Original reporting: Arlington County | FOX 5 DC — read the source article.
