Sequester Noose Tightens

President Barack Obama and
Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schulz

Congresswoman and Chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee Debbie Wasserman Schulz (D-FL) is a close confidant and political ally of President Barack Obama.  She was specially selected to accompany the President on his recent trip to Israel. Ms. Wasserman Schulz said on the eve of her trip to the Zionist state,

'It is an honor to be in Israel with President Obama for the first foreign trip of his second term as he visits Israel, the West Bank, and Jordan,' said Rep. Wasserman Schultz. 'This trip is an important opportunity for President Obama to meet with the new Israeli government on a broad range of issues on which the United States and Israel cooperate.'

'As an American Jew and Member of Congress, I am proud that our President has prioritized the region and the U.S.-Israel relationship, continuing to strengthen our diplomatic and security ties. With so much going on in the region, this trip is significant for many reasons, as the President will spend time with the people of Israel, discuss our shared concerns, and reaffirm the deep bond that exists between our two countries.'

She was one of only two top Democrats (Rep. Eliot Engel (D-N.Y.) the ranking Democrat on the U.S. House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee was the other) selected to accompany Obama on his international trip.

On her return to the homeland, Representative Wasserman Schulz wasted nary a second focusing a spotlight on pressing domestic issues, carping about burdensome lunch price increases on Capitol Hill prompted by the sequester, 

Restaurants on the House side of Congress are increasing in cost so much that aides are being “priced out” of a good meal, she said, as Fox News reported. The comments came by way of a discussion about the impacts of the sequester on lawmakers’ office budgets. Rep. Jim Moran said he may be forced to lay off a staffer — and then Ms. Wasserman Schultz weighed in with her tale of hard times.

Subsidized Dining in the
Longworth House Office Building Cafeteria

John Heyward from Human Events did some old fashioned gum shoe reporting to track down the food security impacts,

'At the carry-out cafe in the Cannon Office Building, where Wasserman Schultz has her office, you can get an 8-oz. bowl of Ham and Bean soup for $2. You can buy gourmet sandwiches and wraps for around $5. Both of these are cheaper than I can get at delis down the street from my house.'

'Her aides could walk across the street to the Longworth Building, which has a large sit-down cafeteria. Today, it is featuring a roasted stuffed chicken, with asparagus and mashed potatoes, for around $7. Or, one could opt for a heaping 12-oz bowl of Chicken Chili for $3.'

Adopt a Rescue Staffer Bulletin

There are also the options I chose during my 33 years working a block off the National Mall -- a plethora of unsubsidized cafeterias and eateries, or as I elected for lunch most of my tenure, to brown bag it.  If the aides (salaries $60K to $160K) want to eat on the dirt cheap I'd be happy to point out street cart vendors with 2fer hot dog specials, chips and drink included, $2.50 the last time I checked.  Wasserman Schulz's chums can eat with and like the plebes.  Never underestimate how spoiled are the real sequester "victims."

Or heck, maybe you disagree.  Then rescue a staffer.