Armey says House members deserve pay raise
From Capitol Hill Producer Ted Barrett
July 19, 2000
Web posted at: 5:00 p.m. EDT (2100 GMT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Members of Congress should go ahead and take the pay raise they will vote on this year, rather than put it off as they have done in earlier years, House Majority Leader Dick Armey said Wednesday.
"Members of Congress work hard," Armey, R-Texas, said. "And they, quite frankly, very well earn the income they receive."
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House Majority Leader Dick Armey: "Members of Congress work hard and they, quite frankly, very well earn the income they receive."
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Armey's remarks came in response to a reporter's question Wednesday about a 2.7-percent cost of living increase members are expected to vote themselves later this month. The raise will boost their current salary of $141,300 by another $3,800.
"When was the last time anybody would expect anyone else in the private sector to walk into the boss and say, 'Boss, I don't want my normal, regular cost of living adjustment this year.' I'd look at them and wonder if they're smart enough to work for me," Armey said.
The increase is tied to a cost of living adjustment given to all federal employees as part of the Treasury, Postal Service and general government appropriations bill. In four of the last six years, lawmakers have voted to do away with their increase -- in part to prevent a backlash from voters who have complained they are paid too much.
But many members are hoping that won't happen again this year.
"House Republicans are working hard every day to get something done, and Democrats are working as hard as they can every day to stop something from happening," said Armey, taking a jab at his opponents on the other side of aisle.
Debate on the appropriations bill was expected to begin on Thursday.
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