Rep. Kevin Brady, R-Tex., plans to introduce legislation that will cut 200,000 federal jobs and impose a three-year pay freeze. The Cut Unsustainable and Top-Heavy Spending Cuts Act would reduce federal spending by $150 billion in the next five years,
The Washington Post reports.
The 10 percent cut in the work force would include civilian Defense Department positions and be accomplished over a 10-year period through attrition. The measure also would go after government printing and vehicle costs and the pay freeze would affect congressional employees.
"There's not a business in America that's survived this recession without right-sizing its work force, without having to become more productive with fewer workers,” Brady told the Post.
“The federal government can't be the exception. We're going to have to find a way to serve our constituents, our taxpayers, better and quicker and more accurately with fewer workers. I'm convinced we can do it and we don't have a choice," Brady added.
Brady, who is a member of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee, said his measure would be part of the Republican budget proposals soon to be unveiled.
According to the Post, the bill also includes a three-year freeze on pay for executive branch workers and members of Congress. President Barack Obama has already ordered a freeze on federal employee pay for two years, the Post said.