Pay Freeze

Memorandum of January 21, 2009

Pay Freeze

Memorandum for the Assistant to the President and Chief
of Staff

The United States is in a period of severe economic
stress. Too many Americans have lost their jobs, their
homes, their health insurance, or a substantial part of
their retirement savings, and many more feel uncertain
about the future.

In these circumstances, Government must act forcefully
and creatively to stimulate our economic recovery,
investing in infrastructure, innovative energy
technologies, and education. It must act quickly to
provide assistance to average Americans.

Many have accepted the call to serve in Government and
to assist me in restoring a sound economy and in
improving the lives of average Americans. In this
challenging economic period, it is only appropriate
that senior officials on the White House staff forgo
pay increases until further notice.

Accordingly, as a signal of our shared commitment to
restoring the country's economic vitality and because
of the serious economic conditions we are facing, I
intend to freeze the salaries of senior members of the
White House staff, to the extent permitted by law. I
direct you to report back to me within 30 days with
recommendations for actions to implement this freeze.

This memorandum is not intended to, and does not,
create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural,
enforceable at law or in equity by a party against the
United States, its departments, agencies, or entities,
its officers, employees, or agents, or any other
person.

This memorandum shall be published in the Federal
Register.

THE WHITE HOUSE,

Washington, January 21, 2009