[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 107 (Friday, August 5, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                          DONATION OF PAY COLA

                                 ______


                        HON. WILLIAM F. GOODLING

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 5, 1994

  Mr. GOODLING. Mr. Speaker, shortly after the 103d Congress convened, 
I announced that I would not accept the cost-of-living-adjustment 
[COLA] provided to Members of Congress elected to the 103d Congress 
that went into effect January 1, 1993. I state that instead of 
accepting the pay raise, I would donate the amount of that COLA to 
individual volunteers in my congressional district.
  In the past, I also gave away any increases in salary effective 
during a sitting Congress. I believe salary increases should only take 
effect after an intervening election. I donated those increases to 
local organizations in support of literacy programs, home heating 
assistance and for other charitable purposes.
  Even though the 1993 COLA was announced before the 1992 election and 
took effect afterward, I did not think the 102d Congress, as a whole, 
earned a salary increase. I contacted the House Sergeant at Arms and 
was informed, however, that I was required to accept the salary 
increase. I also explored the option of returning the funds to the 
Department of the Treasury. There was no guarantee that it would be 
used to reduce the deficit and as long as we have a deficit, it 
certainly could not be counted toward retirement of the national debt. 
Therefore, any amount returned to the Department of the Treasury would 
simply go into the general fund, and quite possibly would be spent in 
another Member's congressional district.
  Consequently, I decided to donate the COLA to people in my own 
congressional district. I chose to give the money to individual 
volunteers who truly make a difference in the lives of those in need. I 
requested nominations for deserving individuals and was very heartened 
by the tremendous response I received. There are many fine individuals 
in the 19th district whose compassionate deeds often go unnoticed and 
this was one way to provide a degree of recognition to these caring and 
committed individuals.
  As of the end of July 1994, I had exceeded the amount I had pledged 
to give for the 103d Congress. I have sent checks to 66 individuals, 
charitable organizations or charitable causes in the 19th Congressional 
District. I greatly appreciate the interest and assistance in this 
endeavor by the citizens in south-central Pennsylvania and I hope it 
provided some deserved recognition for dedicated volunteers as well as 
some assistance for worthy causes and needy individuals.

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