[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 102 (Wednesday, July 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1324]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    AMENDMENT TO FREEZE MEMBER'S PAY

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                             HON. BOB RILEY

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 23, 2002

  Mr. RILEY. Mr. Speaker, ask the average American working in the 
private sector about his automatic yearly pay raise and he will look at 
you like you're crazy. Most Americans don't get an annual Cost of 
Living Adjustment (COLA), so why should members of Congress?
  It is time that we restore the American people's confidence in their 
elected leaders. It is time we eliminate the automatic pay increases 
for members of Congress and live by the same standards as the people we 
represent.
  Mr. Speaker, this amendment will freeze Member's pay at its current 
level and eliminate the annual COLA given to them under the Government 
Ethics Reform Act. Nothing in this law will prohibit Congress from 
raising its pay. However, if members of Congress think they deserve a 
pay raise, then they must vote for it in full view of the American 
people.
  I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and do what is moral 
and honorable--If you want a raise, let's have an up or down vote, 
before your boss--your constituents, the American people.

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