No. It's a job and a paycheck, and you take it to the grocery store. And it resonates throughout the economy. But I'll tell you, it's a pinch. When that wage and that check is frozen for 2 years, people feel that. Prices at the grocery store still go up, and so that very same paycheck doesn't quite buy as much. You know, there may be some lifestyle changes, maybe not such big things but some little things that add to the quality of life that actually our Federal employees have had to do without because of the freeze. And then, they're asked now, in order to even pay for a transportation bill, to lose money out of their pension fund, to have to pay more of their pension, which is their retirement fund.
On the recordFebruary 16, 2012
Source
govinfo.govShare
More from Janice Schakowsky
May 27, 2026
I’ve seen the devastating impact that car crashes and unsafe vehicles have on families and communities, and it is simply unacceptable that so many lives are still being lost on our roadways.
May 27, 2026
I fought for and continue to defend the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), which proved that diplomacy, not war, can constrain Iran’s nuclear program and keep Americans safe.
Sep 10, 2024
I thank the gentleman for yielding to me for the privilege of saying a few words about Bill Pascrell. I love Bill Pascrell. I say that in the present tense because every time I think of him he makes me smile, not because he was a funny…
Feb 26, 2025
We must expand Social Security benefits, not cut them, and I have a bill to do just that.





