Brady Blasts Congress’ Pay Raise
Congressman Kevin Brady yesterday voted against a measure which would give Members of Congress a cost of living adjustment. Brady and other House members said that the $25 billion spending bill which provided the vehicle for what amounts to a $3000 Congressional pay raise was brought to the House floor in such haste as to prevent opposing amendments. The measure passed 231-192, with a majority of Republicans opposing the bill and a majority of Democrats supporting it.
"It was wrong for the House to vote itself a pay raise," Brady said. He added, "Congress needs to set an example for the rest of the federal government by holding the line on their spending. What is equally upsetting is the way this bill was sneaked through in a $25 billion spending bill. It was hastily pulled out of order, with little or no debate, ignoring the wishes of Members who had asked the Speaker specifically for a clean vote on the pay raise."
"The last time Congress sneaked in a pay raise, it was in the middle of the night. This time the sun was up, but the pay raise was just as sneaky," observed Brady.
"It sets a very bad example as leaders to increase our pay while reducing bureaucracy and closing government agencies. And with an unbalanced budget, it sends the wrong message to the American people and compromises our credibility," said Brady.
Brady noted that on Tuesday, the House paid tribute to actor Jimmy Stewart, honoring his contributions. "We spent more time honoring Jimmy Stewart than we did debating a $25 billion spending bill. If Mr. Smith were here in Washington, even he would be shocked."
While noting his disappointment about not having an up-or-down vote on the pay raise, Brady remained optimistic about the work of many of his colleagues. "The Republican Congress is making a difference and I am proud to be in Congress. The people of the Eighth District gave me a special trust. But they did not send me to Congress to vote myself a pay raise. It’s days like this that make life in Washington very frustrating." Brady added that he is working to kill the pay raise as the bill heads towards a conference committee with the Senate. That chamber voted against a pay raise earlier this year.
