Bush signs for federal workers’ raises

CRAWFORD, Texas – President Bush spelled out in greater detail Thursday the pay raise that takes effect Jan. 1 for federal workers, members of Congress, judges – even Vice President Dick Cheney.

Congress passed the pay raises earlier this year, but Bush was required to sign an executive order detailing the pay hikes before the end of the year. He did so Thursday.

The president’s annual salary of $400,000 is not affected.

The cost-of-living raise lifts salaries for members of the House and Senate from $158,000 this year to $162,100 in 2005.

The measure provides civil servants with 3.5 percent raises – the same that military personnel will receive next year. Under a complicated formula, that translates to 2.5 percent for members of Congress.

The 2.5 percent pay hike also applies to the vice president – who is president of the Senate – congressional leaders and Supreme Court justices.

Cheney, House Speaker Dennis Hastert and Chief Justice William Rehnquist will go from $203,000 to $208,100.