Michele Bachmann: “The motion to recommit proposes to add a new amendment to the bill freezing the rate of pay for ourselves, Members of…”

“The motion to recommit proposes to add a new amendment to the bill freezing the rate of pay for ourselves, Members of Congress, and for the non-uniformed Federal employees. The amendment relies on the definition of civil service provided in title V of the United States Code which covers positions in the executive, the judicial, and the legislative branches. The bill before us contains numerous and repeated references to title V of the United States Code, yet the gentleman makes the point of order that this amendment is not germane to the bill. Mr. Speaker, the bill before us includes provisions, such as the recently adopted Sarbanes amendment, that affect the policies of all executive branch agencies, not just the Department of Defense. And on that basis, I believe that the Chair will find the provisions of the amendment limiting pay for civilian executive branch employees germane. I also believe that the bill is broad enough to cover judicial employees as well. So, Mr. Speaker, that then leaves the question of ourselves, our pay, and that of non-uniformed Federal employees, legislative branch employees. So, therefore, Mr. Speaker, I believe it would be improper for the Chair to use a point of order for the purpose of protecting the employees of the legislative branch and for the purpose of protecting and shielding us Members of Congress from the pay freeze herein being proposed.”