As Fiscal Cliff Looms, Obama Orders Pay Raise for Some Federal Employees

As the country is on the verge of going over the “fiscal cliff,” President Obama signed an executive order to end the pay freeze on federal employees. Translation: some federal workers—ranging from the vice president to the Supreme Court and members of Congress—will be getting a raise. Via The Weekly Standard:

According to disclosure forms, Biden made a cool $225,521 last year. After the pay increase, he'll now make $231,900 per year.

Members of Congress, from the House and Senate, also will receive a little bump, as their annual salary will go from $174,000 to 174,900. Leadership in Congress, including the speaker of the House, will likewise get an increase.

Here's the list of new wages, as attached to President Obama's executive order:

 

"A new executive order has been issued providing for a new pay schedule beginning 'on the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning after March 27, 2013,'" reports FedSmith.com. "The pay raise will generally be about 1/2 of 1%."

It doesn’t matter if the raise is $1 dollar or several thousand dollars, or if only some will actually see a pay increase—it’s the principle and timing of this move that’s troubling to say the least, especially given the fact that 88 percent of taxpayers will begin to see less of their paycheck if/when America goes over the “cliff” in a few short days.