Chairman Rand Paul Revises Reconciliation Text to Comply With "Byrd Rule"

Late last night, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Chairman Rand Paul (R-KY) revised the text of several of his anti-postal and federal employee proposals to comply with the "Byrd Rule." The revised text would increase FERS contributions by 5% for federal and postal employees who are first hired on or after January 1, 2026. In addition, the revised text would impose a $350 user-fee on employees who seek due process relief through the Merit Systems Protect Board.

There is no provision in the revised text to auction-off USPS electric vehicles. There is no provision to create "at-will" hires. There is no provison to eliminate the FERS Supplemental Annuity. There is no provision to change the CSRS/FERS retirement formula.

It is expected that the Senate will vote on the reconciliation bill late this week or during the weekend. Therfore, NAPS members should continue to contact their senators to oppose any increase in FERS contributions and the MSPB user fee.