Good News: Congress gives itself a raise

By Rick Moran

They could have frozen their pay as the Congress did in 2000. They could have refused the pay raise and made some political hay for themselves.

Instead, each and every Member of Congress will receive a $4,700 pay increase courtesy of us, their grateful constituents.

Still, Steve Ellis, vice president of the budget watchdog Taxpayers for Common Sense, said Congress should have taken the rare step of freezing its pay, as lawmakers did in 2000.

“Look at the way the economy is and how most people aren’t counting on a holiday bonus or a pay raise — they’re just happy to have gainful employment,” said Ellis. “But you have the lawmakers who are set up and ready to get their next installment of a pay raise and go happily along their way.”
Member raises are often characterized as examples of wasteful spending, especially when many constituents and businesses in members’ districts are in financial despair.

These are the same group of hypocrites who railed against auto executives who showed up on Capitol Hill after flying into town on a private jet. This is the same bunch that has railed against Wall Street greed. This is the same lot of pious dolts who are blaming free markets and capitalism for the economic downturn.

But what's good for the goose is not necessarily good for the gander in this case. The pay raise is set up automatically so the members don't even have to vote on it and take a stand over their own salary. It is underhanded, dishonest, and cowardly - which fits in quite nicely with the Democratic Congress and the plans they have for the nation starting next month.

An average congressman makes $169,300 a year.