DoD Holds Closed Meetings on Blue-Collar Pay Rates
Published Date: 7/6/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Defense Wage Committee is holding several secret meetings this summer to review and update pay rates for blue-collar workers who are paid by the government. These meetings, happening from June to September 2026, could lead to changes in wages that affect many DoD employees. While the meetings aren’t open to the public, they’re important for making sure workers get fair pay based on current wage surveys.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
DoD wage reviews could change pay
You may be affected if you are a blue-collar Federal Wage System or non-appropriated fund employee who works for the Department of Defense. The DoD Wage Committee met or will meet on June 23, July 7, July 21, August 4, August 18, September 1, and September 15, 2026 via Microsoft Teams to review wage surveys and establish or change wage schedules for many specific wage areas (examples include Pennsylvania, Hawaii, Virginia, Texas, Florida, Alaska, California, and Puerto Rico). Those reviews could result in changes to wage schedules that affect your pay.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11505 — DoD Assistance to Non-Government, Entertainment-Oriented Media Productions
The Department of Defense is updating its rules to stop helping movies, TV shows, games, and documentaries that censor their content to please the Chinese government. Starting July 9, 2026, producers must follow new steps to prove their projects don’t bow to these censorship demands if they want DoD support. This change affects entertainment creators and aims to keep U.S. projects free and fair without foreign influence.
2026-09038 — Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Disclosure of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (DFARS Case 2024-D021)
Starting May 7, 2026, the Department of Defense won’t make most new defense contractors share their greenhouse gas emissions unless it’s really needed for the contract. This change helps nontraditional contractors avoid extra paperwork, but DoD can still ask for info if it’s directly tied to the job. It’s a smart move to keep things fair and focused without slowing down important defense work.
2026-09067 — Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement: Mitigating Risks Related to Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence (DFARS Case 2021-D011)
The Department of Defense is updating rules to make sure companies working with them reveal if they’re owned or controlled by foreign folks. This helps keep our defense projects safe from hidden foreign influence. If you’re a contractor or subcontractor, get ready to share ownership info by July 6, 2026, or risk delays in your contracts.
2025-20402 — Updated Definition of “Waters of the United States”
The EPA and Army Corps are updating the rules that decide which waters are protected under the Clean Water Act, following a 2023 Supreme Court decision. This change helps everyone know exactly which waters are covered, making it easier to protect lakes, rivers, and wetlands while respecting state and tribal rights. People and businesses affected should share their thoughts by January 5, 2026, as this update could impact water projects and environmental protections.
2026-13515 — TRICARE Demonstration Project for TRICARE Ambulance Add-On Reimbursement for Pre-Hospital Blood Transfusion
Starting January 1, 2027, TRICARE will test a new way to pay ambulance providers separately for giving blood transfusions before patients reach the hospital. This 5-year project aims to save lives, improve care, and see if this payment change makes sense long-term for trauma patients using TRICARE. It could affect costs and access to care for military families and veterans who need emergency blood transfusions during ambulance rides.
2026-13514 — Renewal of Department of Defense Federal Advisory Committee-Department of Defense Board of Actuaries
The Department of Defense is renewing the Board of Actuaries, a group that gives expert advice on important military funds like retirement and education benefits. This renewal means the board will keep checking these funds every year to make sure they’re financially healthy and suggest improvements if needed. This helps protect the money that supports military members and their families, with no changes to funding or deadlines announced.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-13515 — TRICARE Demonstration Project for TRICARE Ambulance Add-On Reimbursement for Pre-Hospital Blood Transfusion
Starting January 1, 2027, TRICARE will test a new way to pay ambulance providers separately for giving blood transfusions before patients reach the hospital. This 5-year project aims to save lives, improve care, and see if this payment change makes sense long-term for trauma patients using TRICARE. It could affect costs and access to care for military families and veterans who need emergency blood transfusions during ambulance rides.
Next: 2026-13517 — Glyphosate From China; Institution of Antidumping and Countervailing Duty Investigations and Scheduling of Preliminary Phase Investigations
The U.S. is launching investigations to see if cheap glyphosate from China is hurting American businesses by being sold unfairly or getting government help. Monsanto and its subsidiary asked for this on June 30, 2026. The government will decide by August 14, 2026, if extra taxes should be added to these imports to protect U.S. companies.