1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

I am writing as one of your constituents and as a federal employee serving in the Veterans Health Administration. I am proud of the work I do caring for our nation’s veterans, and I take my responsibility to them seriously. I am also deeply concerned about the administration’s decision to limit the 2026 federal pay raise to 1 percent while freezing locality adjustments nationwide. A one-percent increase is far below the rate of inflation and represents a real pay cut for federal workers. Between housing, transportation, medical costs, and basic living expenses, inflation has risen far faster than the proposed raise. For employees in the Pittsburgh locality especially, the freeze on locality pay compounds that impact. This decision will make it much harder for federal agencies to recruit, retain, and support qualified professionals, especially in critical positions like healthcare. Veterans deserve the highest level of care, and that requires a workforce that is competitive with the private sector. When federal pay continually falls behind the cost of living, it hurts morale, retention, and the long-term stability of the workforce. I am respectfully asking you to: 1. Oppose the freeze on locality pay, 2. Support legislation restoring a fair and competitive federal pay adjustment, and 3. Advocate for federal workers who are absorbing the financial burden of this shortfall. Federal employees did not receive a fair cost-of-living adjustment in this proposal, and I urge you to stand with the workers who keep our government functioning every day. We cannot maintain the quality of service the public expects without fair pay that keeps pace with real economic conditions. Thank you for your time, attention, and advocacy. I look forward to hearing how you intend to support federal employees on this issue.