Federal Pay Freeze Moves Forward

The House and Senate on Tuesday passed a continuing resolution that would fund the federal government through March and also make official the two-year federal pay freeze proposed by the Obama administration.

The Senate passed the short-term spending measure on Tuesday, and the House approved the bill Tuesday evening by a vote of 193-165. The bill now goes to the White House for the president's signature.

When the 112th Congress convenes in January, it's possible that Republicans could use their majority in the House and increased power in the Senate in crafting a new spending bill. But it's unlikely that the federal pay freeze would be overturned, as most Republicans have voiced support of it. In fact, some in Congress argue that the pay freeze does not go far enough, meaning more extensive pay restrictions could be in the works once the next Congress convenes. It's also likely that a bill will be introduced using the recommendations of the president's bipartisan deficit commission, which could mean other changes to federal pay, retirement annuities and the federal health program.

How does the two-year pay freeze and the possibility of more extensive pay and benefit restrictions play into your job outlook going into the new year? Do you plan to stay put, retire or perhaps find another job outside of government?