Block Congressional Pay Raises

Floor Speech

BLOCK CONGRESSIONAL PAY RAISES -- (House of Representatives - March 11, 2009)

(Mr. BUCHANAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute.)

Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, Congress needs to lead by example in this time of economic uncertainty. For that reason, I was encouraged when the House decided to give up its pay raise next year. It is important to send the right message to the American people: a message that says Congress is willing to tighten its belt just like American families are doing across the country.

But we need to go even further. That's why I hope the leadership in the House will take up my legislation, H.R. 566, blocking all future congressional pay raises until the Federal budget is balanced.

Millions of hardworking Americans only get a salary increase if they produce positive results. Congress should be no different. With our national debt about to surpass $11 trillion and unemployment in our country surging past 8 percent, we need to hold ourselves to a higher standard. The American people expect and deserve nothing less.

My legislation to block congressional pay raises until we balance the budget offers meaningful reform. I urge Members from both sides of the aisle to support it.

Source