Nick Rahall: “Today, I voted in favor of extending the pay freeze on Members of Congress. While Members of Congress should not be…”

“Today, I voted in favor of extending the pay freeze on Members of Congress. While Members of Congress should not be getting raises during a recession, our federal employees who provide services to our military members and ensure senior citizens receive their checks on time do not deserve to bear the brunt of cost-cutting efforts. The federal employees who daily show up for work in a spirit of service to our country deserve our respect and support. Federal employees deserve thanks for the work they do, often at lower pay than they could command in the private sector, out of a spirit of service to our country. These federal workers don't deserve to be the pawns in cynical political showdowns. Shared sacrifice is necessary from all Americans as we continue finding ways to balance budget and to preserve critical programs, targeting one group over another out of political spite is not the answer. Federal workers are hard working American and I thank them for their efforts on behalf of the American people.”