Plain Language Summary
# FAIR Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do** The Federal Adjustment of Income Rates (FAIR) Act would increase pay for federal employees starting in 2026. Specifically, it would raise base salaries by 3.3% for most federal workers and boost additional locality pay (extra compensation for high cost-of-living areas) by 1%. The bill also applies to prevailing wage employees, typically those in trades and manual labor positions. **Who It Affects** This legislation would impact federal government employees across all agencies and departments—from office workers to maintenance staff. The increases would apply to employees covered by standard federal pay systems as well as those earning prevailing wages.
The bill does not appear to affect private sector workers, retirees, or the general public directly, though taxpayers fund federal payroll. **Current Status** The bill is currently in committee (as of the 119th Congress), meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was introduced by Rep. Gerald Connolly, a Democrat from Virginia.
CRS Official Summary
Federal Adjustment of Income Rates Act or the FAIR ActThis bill modifies pay rates for federal employees in 2026. Specifically, the bill increases rates under the statutory pay systems and for prevailing rate employees by 3.3% and increases locality pay by 1%.
Latest Action
ASSUMING FIRST SPONSORSHIP - Mr. Walkinshaw asked unanimous consent that he may hereafter be considered as the first sponsor of H.R. 493, a bill originally introduced by Representative Connolly, for the purpose of adding cosponsors and requesting reprintings pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII. Agreed to without objection.