A provision granting members of Congress a $6,600 raise has been discovered in a massive 1,574-page spending bill unveiled Tuesday. If approved, this would be the first congressional pay increase in 15 years.
The raise, tied to a 3.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), comes as inflation under President Joe Biden’s administration has driven up the cost of basic necessities. Lawmakers currently earn $174,000 annually, with leadership roles receiving more.
NEW🚨: Vivek Ramaswamy rips Speaker Johnson's funding bill, says the government is trying to waste your money without telling you.
Here is what's inside:
– Pay raises for members of Congress.
– Expansion of their federal health benefits.
– Opening up a new stadium in… pic.twitter.com/grkeelNoeY— Officer Lew (@officer_Lew) December 18, 2024
Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) denounced the move, calling it inappropriate given the economic struggles of many Americans. “If members can’t manage on their already generous salaries, they should find another line of work,” Golden said in a press release.
Republican lawmakers, including Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ), have pledged to vote against the bill. “Congress is failing the American people AGAIN and giving themselves a raise in the process,” Crane wrote on X.
Congress has done nothing to deserve a pay raise – SHUT IT DOWN!
— SazzygirlinCali (@RjbRocklin) December 18, 2024
With this pork filled bill, Congress has once again shown its intent to abuse us, trying to sneak through a 40% pay raise for themselves while funding questionable projects, all under the pressure of holiday deadlines.
This might just be their last attempt to exploit their power… pic.twitter.com/EYFpmgq8zq
— LilHumansBigImpact (@BigImpactHumans) December 18, 2024
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) proposed a constitutional amendment to prevent lawmakers from granting themselves raises. “Congress shall make no law respecting the citizens of the United States that does not also apply to members of Congress themselves,” DeSantis stated on X.
The CR, which temporarily extends government funding through March 2025, includes several contentious provisions, drawing criticism from both parties.
