Bipartisan bill would cut Member pay for the first time since Great Depression
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) announced today that he has reintroduced legislation that would cut Member’s pay for the first time since the Great Depression. Loebsack was joined by Rep. Don Bacon (NE-02) in cosponsoring the legislation. The bipartisan Congressional Halt in Pay Increases (CHIP IN) and Cut Congressional Pay Act (HR 1786) would cut their pay by 10 percent and repeal automatic pay increases that currently take place.
“I came to Washington to fight on behalf of hard working Iowans and I strongly believe that those elected to serve shouldn’t be in it to line their own pockets. That is why it is time to cut Members’ pay and stop the automatic increases that come along with it,” said Loebsack. “As part of my commitment, I will continue to fight to hold Members of Congress accountable and ensure they are doing the job they were sent to Washington to do. It is time to end the pay system that has prevented any cut in Congressional pay since 1933 – over eight decades ago. Now is time for action. Congress must show the American people that they are serious about restoring fiscal discipline. There is not a better place to start than with Members of Congress’ own pocketbooks.”
“As leaders of our nation, it is incumbent upon us to lead by example, which is why I am co-sponsoring a measure to cut Congressional salaries by 10%. This demonstrates our willingness to share in the burdens we ask others to bear. I made a promise to rein in our crippling $20 trillion national debt, and this is the first of many measures to do just that. I believe this is necessary to show the American people we are serious about being good stewards of the hard-earned money they entrust us to manage for the nation,” said Bacon.
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