Washington, D.C. - Today the Republican-led House of Representatives passed three measures that freeze federal pay, cut spending by committees in Congress and stop abuse by welfare recipients.

H.R. 3835 extends the current freeze on the pay of federal workers and members of Congress through 2013.  Although a majority of Democrats – 117 -- opposed the  pay freeze, the measure passed with 309 votes.

“In this struggling Obama economy and with dangerous deficits as far as the eye can see this is no time to raised the pay of government workers or members of Congress,” said U.S. Congressman Kevin Brady, a Republican from Texas who strongly supported the bill.

Brady also supported an additional 6.4% cut in Congressional committee budgets on top of the earlier 5% cut House Republicans put in place last year after taking the majority. He is regularly cited as one of the more frugal members of Congress with his office budget,  often returning 20% of his budget to help reduce the deficit.

The final measure prevents welfare benefits from being accessed in liquor stores, adult entertainment venues and gambling establishments like casinos and race tracks. That bill passed 395-27.

"If you’re on welfare and want to spend your time in liquor stores, strip clubs and casinos that’s your choice. But you’re not going to get your welfare benefits there where we almost know for certain they won’t go for food, clothing or utilities for your family,” said Brady.