February 15, 2013

Rep. Vargas Strongly Opposes Effort to Target Federal Employee’s Pay and Cosponsors Freeze To Congress Member Pay

Washington, DC (February 15, 2013) –Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51) has proudly opposed a H.R. 273, targeting federal employees, and in response, is cosponsoring H.R. 636, introduced by Rep. Connolly (VA-11), which would freeze pay for Members of Congress through the end of the 113th Congress in 2014.  

“It is shameful that House Republicans would intentionally and maliciously obstruct a very modest cost of living increase of 0.5% for federal workers when private sector pay has risen 4.7% over the last three years,” stated Congressman Vargas.  “It is grossly unfair to these diligent federal workers who have already contributed more than $100 billion towards reducing the deficit through the pay freeze and benefit reductions.”     

On December 27, 2012, the President issued an executive order that ends the federal employee pay freeze on March 27, 2013—when the current continuing resolution expires—and gives federal workers a 0.5% cost of living increase.  Federal employees have already accepted a two year pay freeze, an increased pension contribution, and reduced and delayed cost-of-living adjustment this year.  By voting to freeze their salaries for a third consecutive year, the House asked federal employees to contribute an additional $11 billion.

“I am proud to cosponsor H.R. 636, which would freeze the pay for Members of Congress through the end of the 113th Congress,” stated Vargas.  "I am appalled that House Republicans are attempting to subvert a needed and well-deserved cost of living increase for hard working federal employees, by attaching it to legislation that would merely freeze Member pay for an additional three months.”  

Vargas represents the California 51st Congressional District which includes the southern portion of San Diego County, the cities of San Diego, Chula Vista and National City, all of Imperial County and California’s entire US/Mexico border.  Vargas represented the 40th California State Senate District from 2010-2012, the 79th California State Assembly District from 2000 – 2006 and served on the San Diego City Council from 1993 – 2000.