As far as I know....the only federal workers exempted from SS are the railway guys, who have a totally different deal.
I don’t see what the deal is...a guy finishes twenty years at age 39, and continues to work another twenty odd years, and forced to pay into FICA. I’ve paid almost 16 years on top of what I paid for the military time. I expect my social security money like everyone else. If it’s “bad”...then they ought to refund the whole amount I’ve paid to me....in cash (I’ll know exactly how to invest right).
You’re right about RR workers. And some teachers’ unions here and there along the way. I did the 8 years payments to FICA while in the military too. What really screwed me was the 30 years afterwards. Ever since I graduated from college, I paid the maximum monthly FICA “contribution” which amounted to MORE than I ever got in a month while doing my 8 years. If they gave me the $120K or so and the $120K or so my employer kicked in back, I’d go away and be happy. I will never get that money back.