[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 11, 2009)]
[House]
[Page H3150]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     BLOCK CONGRESSIONAL PAY RAISES

  (Mr. BUCHANAN asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. BUCHANAN. Mr. Speaker, Congress needs to lead by example in this 
time of economic uncertainty. For that reason, I was encouraged when 
the House decided to give up its pay raise next year. It is important 
to send the right message to the American people: a message that says 
Congress is willing to tighten its belt just like American families are 
doing across the country.
  But we need to go even further. That's why I hope the leadership in 
the House will take up my legislation, H.R. 566, blocking all future 
congressional pay raises until the Federal budget is balanced.
  Millions of hardworking Americans only get a salary increase if they 
produce positive results. Congress should be no different. With our 
national debt about to surpass $11 trillion and unemployment in our 
country surging past 8 percent, we need to hold ourselves to a higher 
standard. The American people expect and deserve nothing less.
  My legislation to block congressional pay raises until we balance the 
budget offers meaningful reform. I urge Members from both sides of the 
aisle to support it.

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