I propose we suspend them from hemp ropes and in the shade.
Posted on 05/19/2015 10:32:31 AM PDT by DoodleDawg
Most members of Congress make $174,000 a year. Two senior House Democrats say lawmakers deserve a raise.
Minority Whip Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) told reporters on Tuesday that he’s concerned that static congressional salaries — the pay level has remained the same since 2009 — will dissuade all but the uber-wealthy from serving in Congress.
“This will be the seventh year in a row that we have not done a cost-of-living adjustment….I think it was appropriate at the time of the recession,” Hoyer said. “But to continue that on, we will dictate that the only people who can serve are the rich and I don’t think that’s what the Founding Fathers had in mind.”
Hoyer also raised the concern at a Democratic caucus meeting Tuesday morning, saying he planned to speak with Speaker John Boehner about unfreezing cost-of-living increases for members of Congress, according to sources in attendance. Hoyer, whose suburban Washington district includes many federal workers, is also concerned about small or non-existent cost-of-living-increases for many federal employees.
While most members avoid complaining about their $174,000-a-year salary to avoid looking politically aloof, Hoyer is not alone in arguing that lawmakers need cost-of-living raises just like private-sector employees.
Democratic Rep. Alcee Hastings (D-Fla.) also pushed this week for bigger paychecks for members, arguing that the salary doesn’t cover the cost of maintaining two homes, one in D.C. and another back home.
“Members deserve to be paid, staff deserves to be paid and the cost of living here is causing serious problems for people who are not wealthy to serve in this institution,” the Florida Democrat said at a Rules Committee meeting.
Former Rep. Jim Moran of Virginia, a Democrat, also championed pay increases for members before he left Congress last year.
We’re $18 trillion in debt due to the horrible decisions Congress makes, and they think they deserve a raise? No, they do not.
Should be cut to zero. Look at the mess this nation is in.
Only if they act like leaders will they get leader pay. My congressional delegation are a bunch of yes men, democratic foot soldiers. Followers and idiots. They should have their pay cut!
I propose we suspend them from hemp ropes and in the shade.
“the cost of living here is causing serious problems for people”
Of course. That is always the result of big government policies!
Idiots.
outside of a handful of ethical conservatives, i highly doubt that any congressman *ONLY* makes $174K per year. sleazy lobbyists with suitcases full of cash are practically lined up outside of the Capitol to make sure their pet piece of legislation gets the proper attention.
vast fortunes have been made by MANY congressmen while serving in congress on supposed fixed salaries.
Like heck they do. If anything, their pay should be reduced, and their number greatly increased (according to original representation fraction, Congress should have around 12,000 members now), so that pretty much anyone could be in Congress, they can't form powerful coalitions or be lobbied.
If anyone can be in Congress, then power can begun to be decentralized again. Also, the Senate needs to go back to being picked by the States.
STIMPY!
Maryland “Freak State” PING!
Most deserve a prison jump suit, Stumpy Hoyer included.
You’re a wit.
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