[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 19 (Monday, February 6, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TO EXTEND THE PAY LIMITATION FOR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND FEDERAL 
                               EMPLOYEES

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                               speech of

                          HON. BETTY McCOLLUM

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 1, 2012

  Ms. McCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, I rise in opposition to H.R. 3835, a 
bill that represents more of a political stunt by Republicans than an 
honest way to address the shared sacrifice needed across the Federal 
Government in these difficult fiscal times. Members were not allowed to 
consider a bill offered by Representative Chris Van Hollen, H.R. 3858, 
that would have prevented members of Congress from receiving an 
automatic pay raise in 2013. I would have voted in favor of that bill. 
With so many Americans still looking for work and struggling to pay 
their bills, it is only fair and right that members of Congress put 
their needs first. However, Republicans chose to tie our salary freeze 
with those of Federal employees. Previously, they had not been linked. 
I regret that House Republicans thought it was more important to score 
political points than showing the American people that Members of 
Congress on a bipartisan basis support the existing Congressional pay 
freeze. Such actions only serve to deepen the cynicism of Americans who 
have grown increasingly fed up with the polarization of Congress.

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