Paring the Payroll

Republican lawmakers last week unveiled the Pledge to America, an agenda to reduce the size of government and rein in spending. Of particular concern to federal workers was a promise to freeze hiring for all nonsecurity-related positions, but that proposal is just the latest in a series of measures affecting federal jobs and benefits.

Employee Furloughs: Rep. Mike Coffman, R-Colo., this month introduced legislation (H.R. 6134) that would furlough all federal civilian employees for up to two weeks in 2011. The bill exempts personnel necessary for national security, public health and law enforcement and claims it would save $5.5 billion, Coffman said. The measure has been referred to several House committees for consideration.

Tax Delinquency: Lawmakers in the House and Senate have proposed firing federal workers who don't meet their tax obligations. Bills (S. 3790 and H.R. 4735) from Sen. Tom Coburn, R-Okla., and Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, would make government workers with outstanding tax debts ineligible for continued federal employment but would provide exceptions for those who are settling their debt under a payment plan, or who have requested or are awaiting the results of a due process hearing. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee will consider Chaffetz's legislation, while Coburn's proposal is before the Senate.

Workforce Caps: Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, and Rep. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., have proposed limiting federal workforce growth by capping staff size. Hatch's legislation (S. 3747) would require federal agencies to reduce personnel through attrition to February 2009 levels, with exceptions for the White House, CIA, FBI and Secret Service. Lummis' bill (H.R. 5348) would allow the government to hire only one employee for every two workers who leave, exempting the Defense, Homeland Security and Veterans Affairs departments. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee and the House Oversight and Government Reform Federal Workforce Subcommittee, respectively, are considering the bills.

GOP lawmakers also have proposed several measures affecting federal workers through the YouCut program, an initiative to control government spending. The public each week votes on proposals, and the winning idea goes to the House floor.

Rep. Michele Bachmann, R-Minn., in May proposed eliminating the 1.4 percent federal pay hike President Obama requested for 2011, a measure she said would save $30 billion over 10 years, but House lawmakers rejected the legislation. Chaffetz's delinquent tax bill and Lummis' workforce cap provision also were included in the program.

Union leaders and Democratic lawmakers have strongly opposed proposals affecting government employees. Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., said furloughing federal workers destroys morale and productivity and demeans agency missions, while Sen. Daniel Akaka, D-Hawaii, called a hiring freeze "arbitrary."

Hospitality for Vets

On Nov. 11, veterans and active duty military personnel are getting more than just recognition for their service.

More than 400 bed and breakfasts and inns in 46 states and Canada are offering current and former military members and their families a free night's stay on Nov. 10, the day before Veterans Day. According to Kathleen Panek, owner of the Gillum House in Shinnston, W.Va., the promotion first was offered in 2009 by ten members of the West Virginia B&B Association but this year has expanded nationwide.

Participating locations must offer at least one room free of charge, and service members wishing to take advantage of the promotion must present a current military or VA identification. For a list of participating properties, go to BnBsForVets.org.