[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 110 (Wednesday, September 15, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1629]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     OPPOSITION TO COST OF LIVING INCREASE FOR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

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                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 15, 2004

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to a cost-of-
living increase for Members of Congress. During the recent August 
district work period, I traveled across Kansas, meeting with farmers 
and ranchers, teachers, small business owners, and health care 
providers. Many of them shared with me the difficulties they face 
making ends meet in our recovering economy with the rising costs of 
transportation and health care services. These individuals are working 
hard to provide for their families, but while they are experiencing 
first-hand the effects of a cost-of-living increase, an automatic pay 
raise is not available to them. Families in Kansas and across the 
country are making tough decisions, controlling spending, balancing 
their budgets, and practicing fiscal discipline; Members of Congress 
should be no different.
  I am opposed to an automatic congressional pay raise and believe the 
process should be reformed. If Congress desires a pay increase, we 
should debate the issue as we do with other funding legislation. There 
should be a yes-no vote on the record with full disclosure to the 
public. Congressional action should reflect the interests of our 
constituents and any vote to increase Member salaries should be done 
with an open, transparent process.

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