Why, oh why would the Federal employees deserve a raise? For those that got caught up in the budget fiasco, they were paid in full, just like they have for many years. That the budget has not been balanced is not the constituent error but the error of those in the federal system not getting their job done. I'm sorry that the lower federal employees get caught on the short end but Social Security has been reduced and they are not getting it paid back. Most employees are not getting the gluttonous raises that Federal Employees get, nor the benefits that are added on, with those raises. Balance the Budget and work like everyone else. I don't get reduced medical care or retirement that is exempt from "entitlement" nor do I get paid time off and sick leave for a month or more each year. They are already compensated for the jobs they do!