Number: RL33245
Title: Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Officials: Process for Adjusting Pay and Current Salaries
Authors: Barbara L. Schwemle, Analyst in American National Government 
Abstract: Leaders and Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, the Vice President, individuals in positions on the Executive Schedule (EX), and federal justices and judges - all hereafter referred to as federal officials - receive an annual pay adjustment under the Ethics Reform Act of 1989, P.L. 101-194 (103 Stat. 1716, at 1769, 5 U.S.C. §5318 note). The percentage change in the wages and salaries for the private industry workers element of the Employment Cost Index (ECI), minus 0.5% (December indicator), provides the basis for the pay adjustment. In January 2008, federal officials received a 2.5% salary increase. The pay adjustment is projected to be 2.8% in January 2009. Section 140 of P.L. 97-92, enacted on December 15, 1981, provides that any salary increase for justices and judges must be specifically authorized by Congress. P.L. 110-329, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009 (H.R. 2638), enacted on September 30, 2008, which provides funds for government operations from October 1, 2008, through March 6, 2009, does not include the authorization.
Pages: 16
Date: January 14, 2009