(Washington, DC)–US Representative Sue Myrick (NC-09) voted today to extend a pay freeze for Members of Congress and certain federal workers, saving American taxpayers $20.4 billion.

“Unemployment remains high. The American people aren’t receiving automatic pay increases, and neither should those whose salaries are paid with American tax dollars,” Rep. Myrick said.

A recent study by the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office shows that federal workers make an average of 16% more than private-sector employees.

In addition to halting automatic pay increases, the House has voted to cut Congress’s budget by 11.4% – a 5% across-the-board cut for 2011, and an additional 6.4% cut in 2012.

The bill, HR 3835, passed by a vote of 309-117. It will be sent to the Senate for further consideration.

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