Key Takeaways
- The presidential order outlines adjustments to various pay systems, including the General Schedule, Foreign Service Schedule, and Senior Executive Service.
- The order sets forth new rates of basic pay or salaries for different offices and positions, including the Executive Schedule, Congress, and judicial positions.
- Locality-based comparability payments will be made in accordance with the attached schedule.
- The order supersedes a prior executive order and is effective on the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
Introduction to the Presidential Order
The presidential order, issued on December 18, 2025, aims to adjust certain rates of pay for federal employees. The order is based on the authority vested in the President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America. The order outlines adjustments to various pay systems, including the General Schedule, Foreign Service Schedule, and Senior Executive Service. The rates of basic pay or salaries for these systems are set forth on schedules attached to the order and made a part of it.
Statutory Pay Systems
The order sets forth the rates of basic pay or salaries for the statutory pay systems, as defined in 5 U.S.C. 5302(1), as adjusted under 5 U.S.C. 5303. The rates are outlined on schedules attached to the order, including the General Schedule, Foreign Service Schedule, and the schedules for the Veterans Health Administration of the Department of Veterans Affairs. These schedules provide the new rates of basic pay or salaries for various positions within these pay systems. For instance, the General Schedule, which covers the majority of federal employees, will see an adjustment in pay rates. The Foreign Service Schedule, which applies to employees working abroad, will also receive an adjustment. The Veterans Health Administration schedule will see changes in pay rates for its employees.
Senior Executive Service
The order also sets forth the ranges of rates of basic pay for senior executives in the Senior Executive Service, as established pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 5382. The rates are outlined on Schedule 4 attached to the order. The Senior Executive Service is a pay system that covers high-level executives in the federal government. The order provides for an adjustment in the pay rates for these executives, which will be effective on the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after January 1, 2026. This adjustment aims to ensure that senior executives are fairly compensated for their work and expertise.
Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Salaries
The order sets forth the rates of basic pay or salaries for certain executive, legislative, and judicial offices and positions. These include the Executive Schedule, the Vice President, Congress, and judicial positions. The rates are outlined on schedules attached to the order, including Schedule 5 for the Executive Schedule, Schedule 6 for the Vice President and Congress, and Schedule 7 for judicial positions. For example, the Executive Schedule, which covers high-ranking officials in the executive branch, will see an adjustment in pay rates. The Vice President and Congress will also receive an adjustment in their salaries.
Uniformed Services and Other
The order sets forth the rates of monthly basic pay for members of the uniformed services, as adjusted under 37 U.S.C. 1009. The rates are outlined on Schedule 8 attached to the order. Additionally, the Director of the Office of Personnel Management is directed to assess whether to provide up to a total increase of 3.8 percent to the rates of pay of certain Federal civilian law enforcement personnel. This increase aims to recognize the critical role that law enforcement personnel play in maintaining public safety and security. The Director will coordinate with agencies to determine the specific increase and ensure that it is consistent with 5 U.S.C. 5305.
Locality-Based Comparability Payments
The order provides for locality-based comparability payments, which will be paid in accordance with Schedule 9 attached to the order. The Director of the Office of Personnel Management is directed to take such actions as may be necessary to implement these payments and to publish appropriate notice of such payments in the Federal Register. Locality-based comparability payments are designed to adjust pay rates based on the cost of living in different areas. This ensures that federal employees are fairly compensated for their work, regardless of where they are located.
Administrative Law Judges
The order sets forth the rates of basic pay for administrative law judges, as established pursuant to section 5372 of title 5, United States Code. The rates are outlined on Schedule 10 attached to the order. Administrative law judges play a crucial role in the federal judiciary, hearing cases and making decisions on various matters. The order provides for an adjustment in their pay rates, which will be effective on the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after January 1, 2026.
Effective Dates and Prior Order Superseded
The order provides that Schedule 8 is effective January 1, 2026, and the other schedules contained in the order are effective on the first day of the first applicable pay period beginning on or after January 1, 2026. The order also supersedes Executive Order 14132 of December 23, 2024, as of the effective dates specified in the order. This ensures that the new pay rates and schedules take effect as soon as possible, and that any prior orders or schedules are no longer in effect.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the presidential order aims to adjust certain rates of pay for federal employees, including those in the General Schedule, Foreign Service Schedule, and Senior Executive Service. The order also sets forth new rates of basic pay or salaries for various offices and positions, including the Executive Schedule, Congress, and judicial positions. Locality-based comparability payments will be made in accordance with the attached schedule, and the order supersedes a prior executive order. The adjustments in pay rates and schedules aim to ensure that federal employees are fairly compensated for their work and expertise, and that the federal government remains competitive in attracting and retaining top talent.
