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Washington, D.C.—The chairman and ranking member of the House committee that oversees federal employee issues addressed hundreds of National Treasury Employees Union (NTEU) members today during the group’s 2015 Legislative Conference.

Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-Utah), chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, and Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), the ranking member, expressed support for federal employees.

“I will do everything I can to make sure that we get a good, productive workforce,” Chaffetz said. He pledged an open door policy for the union saying that NTEU National President Colleen M. Kelley is welcome at any time.

Chaffetz said he supported the “idea of a pay raise” for federal employees.

The representative from Utah distanced himself from those in Congress who have called for abolishing the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). “That’s crazy talk,” he quipped.

Cummings recognized the challenges federal employees have faced, referencing the government shutdown in 2013 and a three-year pay freeze. “I know sometimes you get a little discouraged … but I’ve come to let you know I’ve got your back.”

Cummings, a strong supporter of federal employees, said, “My priority is to do whatever I can to help federal workers obtain meaningful compensation and pay raises.”

Echoing President Kelley’s view, Cummings said the 1.3 percent pay raise included in the administration’s fiscal year 2016 budget request is “too low.” Cummings is a co-sponsor of a House bill, introduced by Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-Va.), which seeks a 3.8 percent increase in calendar year 2016.

NTEU delegates from around the country are in Washington to have conversations with Capitol Hill lawmakers and their staff and to attend the four-day conference. The event’s theme—“Building A Stronger America”—is embodied in NTEU’s priorities for this year:

• Adequate agency funding and stopping sequestration

• Fair federal pay

• Protecting federal employee retirement

• Customs and Border Protection staffing and funding

• Employee rights in the federal workplace

Kelley thanked the delegates for the important work they do for the nation. She urged NTEU members to hold Congress accountable on issues important to the federal workforce including pay, retirement and adequate funding.

“It is important for lawmakers to hear directly from our delegates—federal employees who are also their constituents,” the NTEU leader said. “The federal workforce is one of the greatest resources this country has. Members of Congress need to fully understand all that federal employees do for this country.”

NTEU is the nation’s largest independent federal union, representing 150,000 employees in 31 agencies and departments.