Reagan Signs Bill Raising Pay for Federal Employees

President Reagan signed legislation Friday that will provide a 4.1% pay raise for most federal civilian and military workers.

In a statement released by the White House, the President called the raise “well-deserved,” but said he considered one section of the bill not to be in force because it would bar the executive branch from requiring federal employees to sign agreements that they will not divulge national security information.

The $8-billion measure is the fourth money bill passed by Congress this year. It funds the Treasury Department, U.S. Postal Service, the executive office of the President and the agency that serves as the federal government’s housekeeper, the General Services Administration.

The 1989 pay raise, which will cost $4 billion, will increase the salary of the highest-paid career civil servant from $77,500 to $80,775.

Ban Raises Concerns

Reagan said the ban on secrecy agreements “raises profound constitutional concerns.”

The President noted that a similar provision in last years’ omnibus continuing resolution had been declared unconstitutional by the U.S. District Court of the District of Columbia.

The prohibition, he contended, “interfered with my ability to prevent unauthorized disclosures of our most sensitive diplomatic, military and intelligence activities.”

Reagan said that as President he had the responsibility to ensure the secrecy of information whose disclosure would threaten the nation’s security.

“The Supreme Court has recognized my authority in this area. In accordance with my sworn obligation to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution, section 619 will be considered of no force or effect unless and until the ruling of the District Court is reversed by the Supreme Court,” Reagan said.