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Washington D.C. – Several federal agencies with employees represented by the National Treasury Employees Union would receive budget increases next year under legislation moving in the House. 

“The pattern that has emerged at the start of the appropriations process is that the administration and its allies in Congress are determined to invest in the federal workforce and give agencies the resources they need to serve the American people,” NTEU National President Tony Reardon said. “These are wise investments in our country and its public servants, and we will work hard to make sure they are signed into law.” 

Under legislation that passed a House appropriations subcommittee, the IRS in Fiscal Year 2023 would see an increase of more than $1 billion over the current fiscal year. This is a significant step toward rebuilding after a decade of cuts and a strong commitment to improving customer service for American taxpayers, including small businesses.  

The increase would also strengthen enforcement of the tax code by helping willing taxpayers file accurately and catching those who try to hide income and avoid their tax obligations. There is also more money for upgrading and modernizing the agencies’ outdated computer systems and flexibilities to speed up the hiring process. 

“A well-funded and fully staffed IRS would serve this country well by making sure the tax code is enforced fairly, restoring taxpayers’ faith in the system and collecting the revenue that is rightfully owed,” Reardon said. “All of these things lower the deficit and finance the programs that are vital to homeland security, public health and growing the economy.” 

The same bill also calls for increases at the Bureau of Fiscal Service ($16.5 million over the current level), the Securities and Exchange Commission ($207 million) and the Federal Communications Commission ($8 million).  

In separate legislation approved by another House subcommittee, Customs and Border Protection Office of Field Operations would receive an additional $120.2 million to hire 250 new CBP Officers, 500 technicians and 500 mission support staff.  

“Many air, sea and land ports of entry remain understaffed, and we strongly support the effort by allies in Congress to begin to chip away at those shortfalls,” Reardon said. “These are jobs that are essential to border security and the economic engine provided by international trade and travel.” 

NTEU also supports the bill’s inclusion of $60 million for technology upgrades at the ports of entry. 

Another bill that advanced through subcommittee would increase the budget authority for the Food and Drug Administration by $341 million, or 10 percent, in FY 23. 

NTEU represents about 150,000 employees in 34 federal agencies and offices.