“it would likely mean big changes to the generous retirement benefits given federal workers, mainly by looking to shift new employees from a defined benefit into a market-based 401(k).”
I’m somewhat confused by this statement. I worked as a civilian for the Department of Defense (DoD), then retired. President Reagan made the change they are talking about. So that change took place for the DoD about 20 years ago. I always assumed that it applied for pretty much the entire Federal workforce.
I am CSRS, It is a defined benefit plan as is FERS with its SS and basic benefit component excepting the thrift savings plan which is the 401K part.