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Opposition to Cost of Living Increase for Members of Congress

Date: Sept. 15, 2004
Location: Washington, DC
Issues: Employment and Affirmative Action Legislative Branch


OPPOSITION TO COST OF LIVING INCREASE FOR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS -- (Extensions of Remarks - September 15, 2004)

SPEECH OF HON. JERRY MORAN
OF KANSAS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2004

Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to a cost-of-living increase for Members of Congress. During the recent August district work period, I traveled across Kansas, meeting with farmers and ranchers, teachers, small business owners, and health care providers. Many of them shared with me the difficulties they face making ends meet in our recovering economy with the rising costs of transportation and health care services. These individuals are working hard to provide for their families, but while they are experiencing first-hand the effects of a cost-of-living increase, an automatic pay raise is not available to them. Families in Kansas and across the country are making tough decisions, controlling spending, balancing their budgets, and practicing fiscal discipline; Members of Congress should be no different.

I am opposed to an automatic congressional pay raise and believe the process should be reformed. If Congress desires a pay increase, we should debate the issue as we do with other funding legislation. There should be a yes-no vote on the record with full disclosure to the public. Congressional action should reflect the interests of our constituents and any vote to increase Member salaries should be done with an open, transparent process.

END

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