Peters Votes To Kill Congressional Pay Raise

Press Release

Congressman Gary Peters today applauded a U.S. House vote to kill a pay raise for Members of Congress. Rep. Peters cosponsored and vocally supported the bill that will freeze pay for Members of Congress until at least 2012. In his first year in office last year, Peters also cosponsored successful legislation that stopped congressional pay raises until at least 2011, and reports suggested that it was calls from new Members of Congress like Peters that led congressional leadership to quash the pay raises.

"Congress should not even think about taking a pay raise until it figures out how to work together, get spending under control and create long-term job growth again," said Rep. Peters. "It would be absolutely unacceptable for Congress to take a pay raise while so many people in Michigan are taking pay cuts."

Congressional pay raises are determined by a formula known as the Employment Cost Index, which is computed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This formula provides Members of Congress with a cost of living increase based on average cost of living adjustments in the private sector. The congressional pay increase occurs automatically each year, and would result in a $1,600 pay raise this year if legislative action is not taken to stop the increase. The Senate has already approved a pay freeze but in a different legislative vehicle, so the pay freeze language of each chamber will need to be reconciled before taking effect. Peters will continue fighting to pass a final bill to stop the congressional pay increase.

"I helped stop a pay raise for Members of Congress last year, and we need to do it again," Rep. Peters said. "I worked in the private sector for over two decades and I believe in pay increases that are tied to performance. Frankly, Congress just does not deserve a pay raise this year."

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