Looks like the Feds are getting more professionally driven organization and ever. And most of these people can work anywhere so I would imagine the feds have to compete for their services. Hell, TSA agents are now making well over 60K nevermine those working in the hill, justice department, energy, high military brass (looks like Dates is going to ax some generals), treasury, state (yeah, you want to be in Iraq or Congo in the middle of the monsoon season?). No wonder D.C. is teaming with yuppies.
Federal Government Employment Stats
Note which departments hardly have any people.