WASHINGTON —President Donald Trump informed Congress on Thursday that he is canceling pay raises due in January for most civilian federal employees, citing budget constraints. But the workers still could see a slightly smaller boost in their pay under a proposal lawmakers are considering.
Many Democratic lawmakers criticized the announcement, including U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett of Austin, who said Trump treats federal workers like “a punching bag.”
“With one action after another, he demonizes public servants, who assure Social Security and Medicare, public health, tax collection, law enforcement, civilian support of our military, care for veterans and other vital services,” Doggett said in a statement Thursday. “These workers face the same price hikes for food and housing as other members of our community. Republicans borrowed money to shower billionaires with huge, unjustified tax breaks, but refuse to accord valued federal employees even a modest cost of living adjustment.”
