1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

I am writing to you today as a proud lifelong American, the daughter of a career soldier, and a dedicated public servant who has spent her entire career serving our nation’s Veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs. I am deeply concerned about the proposals outlined in the FY2025 budget resolution that would significantly and negatively impact federal employees like myself. As a Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) employee who began my service in 2007, I have committed my career to supporting those who defended our nation. I have always accepted a modest salary in exchange for the promise of stability, fair benefits, and a dignified retirement — promises that now appear at risk. The proposals to sharply increase employee retirement contributions, eliminate the FERS annuity supplement, reduce pension calculations by switching from a “high-3” to a “high-5” formula, and overhaul federal healthcare into a voucher-based system would directly and severely harm hardworking public servants. Making my take-home pay smaller while simultaneously driving healthcare costs higher makes it even more difficult for me to afford basic necessities for my family — and would undermine my ability to save for the future. Eliminating the annuity supplement would further shortchange retirement security for those who have given decades of service to this country. These changes do not reflect the values of a nation that honors service. Instead, they would destabilize the federal workforce, discourage the next generation of dedicated public servants, and break faith with those of us who have spent our careers answering the call to serve. I respectfully urge you to oppose these harmful proposals. Protect the earned pay and benefits of federal employees and retirees. Support policies that strengthen the public service workforce, not weaken it. We deserve fair treatment, just as the American people deserve a strong and stable federal government staffed by committed professionals. Thank you for your time, your service, and your consideration of my views. I stand ready to work with you to ensure that the voices of federal employees are heard and respected in the legislative process.