The House Budget Committee approved the Fiscal Year 2010 Budget Resolution that contains a provision sought by Congressman Gerry Connolly to provide pay parity for military personnel and civilian federal employees.

Connolly’s provision to ensure that military and civilian federal workers receive equal pay raises remained in the budget bill when the committee finally voted 24-15 on final passage of the budget resolution after a marathon markup session that lasted more than 13 hours.  Pay parity was not included in the administration’s original budget proposal.

Connolly, the only member of the House Budget Committee from the national capital region, praised Committee Chairman John Spratt and the Democratic members of the committee for supporting pay parity, an important issue for federal workers that is championed each year by Congressman Jim Moran, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, and the Washington-area congressional delegation.

“I was proud to do my part in the Budget Committee to make sure that the talented men and women who serve our country in uniform and civilian service are treated equitably and recognized for the work they do,” Connolly said.  “I look forward to working with Congressmen Moran and Hoyer to make sure that pay parity remains in the final budget when it comes to the House floor.”

 “Just as our military men and women have distinguished themselves throughout history and particularly during this time of war, our civilian federal employees also perform important work on essential government functions and services,” Connolly said.  “During my recent visit to Iraq and Afghanistan, I saw the critical role civilian employees play in handling logistical support and other vital services to the military, often working side-by-side with our troops in dangerous situations.”

The language in the House Budget Resolution states: “It is the sense of the House that rates of compensation for civilian employees of the United States should be adjusted at the same time, and in the same proportion, as are rates of compensation for members of the uniformed services.”

Connolly said the House Budget Resolution for Fiscal Year 2010 embraces President Obama’s goal of cutting the deficit in half by 2013 and funding critical initiatives in health care, energy, and education.  It is expected to come to the House floor next week for final passage.