There is a growing movement in the U.S House to end automatic congressional pay increases. It is a good idea to consider in our current economic situation.
The Stop the Congressional Pay Raise Act was introduced earlier this month. The bill would halt the scheduled pay increase in 2010.
House members receive a cost of living adjustment each year. In 2009, this cost of living adjustment resulted in a $4,700 pay increase for members of Congress.
Overall, the cost of living adjustment this year cost an additional $2.5 million.
The current law requires an annual cost of living adjustment every year unless Congress votes not to accept it. And we all know that is not going to happen.
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Minnesota Congressmen Collin Peterson and Tim Walz have announced their support for the Stop the Congressional Pay Raise Act. In fact, Walz has returned his salary increases every year since being elected in 2006.
Minnesota's other six House members, including Michele Bachmann, have not come out in support of the stop bill. It is time they step up as well in support of this bill.
