The fiscal cliff deal contains a one-sentence provision that would block a scheduled cost-of-living adjustment for representatives and senators that is due to take place when the continuing resolution under which the federal government is currently operating expires on March 27. Congressional pay has not been increased since 2009, in part because the vote is so unpopular with the public given the recent recession, the push for deficit reduction and the high disapproval ratings of Congress.
Some Republicans, however, want to go further and extend a blockade on most federal civilian pay raises. President Barack Obama issued an executive order last week that would increase pay for the bulk of civilian employees by 0.5 percent, which has drawn the ire of Republicans on both ends of the Capitol.
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