Fact Check: "Federal employees must pay $350 to file appeals, according to new bill."
What We Know
Recent legislative proposals have introduced a requirement for federal employees to pay a $350 fee when filing appeals with the Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB). This provision is part of a broader effort by House Republicans to reform federal employee benefits and reduce government spending. According to a report by GovExec, the bill includes various measures aimed at altering retirement contributions and benefits for federal workers, with the new appeal fee being a significant change.
The specific language of the bill, H.R.1, states that the MSPB is directed to establish and collect a filing fee for employees, former employees, or applicants who file claims or appeals. This fee is set to match the amount required for federal district court filings, which is currently $350 (Congress.gov). Furthermore, a press release from Congressman Stephen Lynch confirms that the legislation mandates this fee for most appeals before the MSPB (Lynch's Press Release).
Analysis
The introduction of a $350 filing fee for appeals is a notable shift from the previous policy, where federal employees could file such appeals at no cost. This change has raised concerns among various stakeholders, including federal employee unions and advocacy groups, who argue that it could deter employees from pursuing legitimate grievances due to the financial burden (Federal News Network).
The reliability of the sources reporting on this legislative change is generally high. The information from GovExec and Congress.gov is sourced from official legislative documents and reports, which are typically accurate and well-vetted. Additionally, the press release from Congressman Lynch provides a direct statement regarding the implications of the bill, further supporting the claim.
However, it is important to note that while the bill has advanced through committee, it still requires approval from the full House and the Senate before becoming law. Therefore, while the claim is currently accurate based on the proposed legislation, the final outcome may vary depending on future legislative actions.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that "Federal employees must pay $350 to file appeals, according to new bill" is accurate based on the current legislative proposals. The bill explicitly outlines the introduction of this fee, which aligns with the information provided by multiple credible sources. As the legislative process continues, it remains to be seen whether this provision will be enacted into law.
Sources
- House Republicans advance plan to cut federal worker benefits and undermine civil service protections
- H.R.1 - 119th Congress (2025-2026): One Big Beautiful Bill Act
- PDF www.paul.senate.gov
- Press Releases | Congressman Stephen Lynch
- Congress.gov
- Congress softens the blow: Here's how it affects you
- Cuts to civil service protections remain in Senate committee's reconciliation proposal
