[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1992-1993, Book II)]
[September 25, 1992]
[Page 1656]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



[[Page 1656]]


Message to the Congress Transmitting Proposed Legislation on Federal Pay 
Reduction
September 25, 1992

To the Congress of the United States:
    I am pleased to transmit today for your immediate consideration and 
enactment the ``Federal Pay Reduction Act of 1992.'' This legislation is 
part of my Agenda for American Renewal. The proposal is an important 
step toward ``rightsizing'' our Government--making it more fiscally 
responsible and reducing its size and structure. Also transmitted is a 
section-by-section analysis.
    There are many in America who are out of work or uncertain of their 
prospects. The Federal deficit constrains the capacity to rejuvenate the 
economy. It is therefore appropriate that those who lead the Government 
make a personal contribution--toward reducing the deficit and as a 
symbol of our understanding of the concerns of so many Americans. 
Accordingly, this proposal would reduce the salary of the President, the 
Vice President, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by a 
full 10 percent. For other leaders in our Government--Members of 
Congress, senior officials paid more than $75,000 in all three branches 
of the Government, and high-ranking military officers--the pay 
reductions would be 5 percent. An otherwise scheduled pay increase in 
January 1993 for these officials would not take place.
    Under our Constitution, the President's salary can only be changed 
at the beginning of a new term of office. Pay reductions for all others 
affected will take place with the first pay period beginning on or after 
January 20, 1993. It is therefore essential that this legislation be 
enacted immediately, before the adjournment of the current Congress.

                                                             George Bush

The White House,
September 25, 1992.