Federal Firefighters Families First Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]
- Committees
- Oversight and Government Reform Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Nov 20, 2025
Bottom line
The bill aims to enhance compensation and retirement security for federal firefighters by revising pay formulas and standardizing workweek hours, which will likely increase federal expenditures.
What it actually does
This bill amends Title 5 of the U.S. Code to adjust how federal firefighters' pay and retirement benefits are calculated. Specifically, it changes a numerical factor in pay computation, includes regularly scheduled overtime hours in the calculation of 'average pay' for retirement benefits, and directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to establish a maximum 60-hour workweek for federal firefighters.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that the bill is crucial for achieving pay equality between federal firefighters and their municipal counterparts, ensuring fair compensation for their demanding work. They contend that including all regularly scheduled hours in retirement calculations accurately reflects firefighters' true earnings and service, thereby improving recruitment and retention of skilled personnel.
Opponents contend
Potential opponents might raise concerns about the increased federal budget implications of higher pay and expanded retirement benefits, especially without a clear funding mechanism. They might argue that such changes could set precedents for other federal employee groups, leading to broader fiscal pressures.
The bill is short and relatively straightforward, allowing for a quick and comprehensive understanding of its core provisions.
Section 2, amending 5 U.S.C. 5545b(b)(1)(A) and 5545b(c)(1)(B)
Adjustment to Annual Basic Pay Computation Factor
This provision changes a specific numerical factor used in calculating the annual basic pay for federal firefighters from '2756' to '2087'. This adjustment is intended to more accurately reflect the standard work year for firefighters, who often work longer, irregular shifts compared to a typical 40-hour week, thereby increasing their computed basic pay.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue this change corrects an outdated or inaccurate calculation method that undervalued federal firefighters' actual working hours, bringing their pay closer to parity with other federal employees and municipal firefighters.
Critics contend
Critics might argue that this specific numerical adjustment could lead to an unintended or disproportionate increase in pay, potentially straining agency budgets without a clear justification for the precise new factor.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between ensuring fair compensation for unique firefighter work schedules and managing federal payroll costs.
Section 3(a), adding 5 U.S.C. 5545b(e) and Section 3(b) amending 8331(4) and 8401(3)
Overtime Hours Included in Average Pay for Retirement
This provision mandates that for federal firefighters, the 'average pay' used to compute retirement annuities (under sections 8331(4) or 8401(3) of Title 5) will now include an amount equal to one-half of their basic hourly rate multiplied by the number of overtime hours that are part of their regular tour of duty. This ensures that regularly scheduled overtime, which is a significant component of firefighter work, contributes to their retirement benefits.
Section 4, adding 5 U.S.C. 5545b(f)
OPM to Prescribe Maximum 60-Hour Workweek
This provision directs the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to issue regulations within one year of the bill's enactment, establishing a maximum number of regularly reoccurring hours for a federal firefighter's workweek, not to exceed an average of 60 hours per week. This standardizes the workweek, potentially preventing excessively long regular schedules.
Amends 5 U.S.C. 5545b(b)(1)(A) and 5545b(c)(1)(B) by changing the numerical factor from '2756' to '2087' for computing annual basic pay.
Section 2
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for amending specific numerical values in existing statutes, rather than an attempt to obscure.
Case for: Proponents argue this correction is necessary to align federal firefighter pay calculations with their actual work schedules, ensuring fair compensation.
Case against: Critics might question the specific derivation of the '2087' figure and its precise impact on overall compensation, suggesting it could be arbitrary or overly generous.
Estimated impact: This change directly increases the calculated basic pay for federal firefighters, leading to higher salaries and subsequently higher retirement contributions and benefits.