[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 131 (Tuesday, September 23, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1855]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THE TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS 
                              ACT OF 2003

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                           HON. EARL POMEROY

                            of north dakota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 23, 2003

  Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the 
authorization of an automatic cost-of-living (COLA) pay increase for 
Members of Congress contained within H.R. 2989. It is essential that 
Members have the opportunity to consider a pay raise independently of 
funding for important transportation projects in their districts.
  I was disappointed with the automatic inclusion of a Congressional 
pay raise in the bill and I voted against the rule to allow 
consideration of H.R. 2989 with the inclusion of this provision. 
Unfortunately, the motion to prevent consideration of the bill failed 
235-178. While I did not support the pay raise, I ultimately voted for 
the bill because it included $5.2 million for transportation projects 
in North Dakota. I am excited that my State received these funds for 
important road and transit improvements, but I am also disappointed 
that I was unable to consider the Congressional pay raise as a measure 
separate from Department of Transportation funding.
  A fiscally responsible Congress should consider the automatic COLA 
pay increase independently of funding for other programs. It is my hope 
that Congress will take steps to ensure separate consideration for any 
increases in the future.

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