Bill addresses SES pay compression

Two Democratic lawmakers have teamed up to sponsor a bill that aims to reform senior executive service compensation and  elements of career management, the Washington Post reports. The bill, expected to be introduced on June 27, was sponsored by Rep. James P. Moran (D-Va.) and co-sponsored by Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.).

According to the report, the bill will streamline the currently cumbersome hiring practices for SES positions, expand career development opportunities and reform the SES compensation model – particularly pay compression between senior executives and top general schedule employees.  The report cites data from the Office of Personnel Management finding that the most senior general schedule employees, GS-14 and GS-15, make $123,758 to $155,500, while senior executives make $119,554 to $179,700.

Moran said a 2004 law aimed at addressing pay compression has failed, and noted that there is disincentive to enter the SES because of the compensation issue, according to the report.