Government affairs

Reps. Derek Kilmer (D-WA) and Tom Cole (R-OK) reintroduced the Federal Retirement Fairness Act (H.R. 4268) today. The bill, identical to previous legislation introduced in the 116th Congress, would provide certain federal employees the opportunity to make catch-up retirement contributions for time spent as temporary employees after Dec. 31, 1988, thus making such time creditable service under the Federal Employees Retirement System, and for other purposes.

Notably, this bill would cover postal employees, such as letter carriers who spent time as casuals, TEs, and CCAs, making planning for their retirement easier.

“Many federal employees begin their careers in temporary positions before transitioning to permanent status – so we need to have their backs,” said Rep. Kilmer. “This bill will ensure that all federal workers…have the opportunity to retire on time, regardless of how they started their careers.”

“Whether first hired under temporary status or not, civil service should be recognized, and these workers should have the option to pay toward retirement credit for the entirety of their employment,” said Rep. Cole. “I am proud to join in re-introducing the Federal Retirement Fairness Act that allows this buy-in benefit to give these civil employees earned time credit toward retirement.”

“Letter carriers who began their careers as non-career employees will benefit from the ability to make catch up contributions toward their retirement,” said NALC President Fredric Rolando. “NALC strongly supports the Federal Retirement Fairness Act and appreciates Reps. Kilmer and Cole for continuing to reintroduce this important legislation.”