Bill would cut Member pay for the first time since Great Depression
Washington, D.C. - Congressman Dave Loebsack (IA-02) announced today that he reintroduced legislation that would cut Member's pay for the first time since the Great Depression. He was joined by Rep. Brad Ashford (NE-02) as an original cosponsor. The Congressional Halt in Pay Increases (CHIP IN) and Cut Congressional Pay Act would cut their pay by 10 percent and repeal automatic pay increases that currently take place.
"While millions of Americans are still recovering from the Great Recession, Members of Congress haven't seen their pay decrease since the Great Depression in the 1930s," said Congressman Loebsack. "I believe that those elected to serve shouldn't be in it to line their own pockets, which is why it is time to cut Member's pay and stop the automatic increases that take place. And with the fiscal mess that our nation continues to face, we have to show our constituents that we have the personal fiscal discipline needed to reform our budget process. The American people deserve better. It's time for Congress to show it is serious about making good, tough choices for the country."
"The last four years in Congress have been some of the least productive in our nation's history. The partisanship and gridlock have reached an all-time high, and when I travel around the 2nd District, Nebraskans tell me they want accountability," said Congressman Ashford. "With our country facing growing debt crisis this legislation is a good-faith effort from Congress to get our fiscal house in order, and I am proud to support this common sense legislation with my colleague from Iowa. I made this commitment to the people of Nebraska, and I will continue to push Congress to work together to do the job we were sent here to do."
###
