Rep. Kirkpatrick Applauds Taxpayer Groups' Continued Push to Cut Pay for Members of Congress, Urges Washington to Take Action Now

Press Release

"Folks are ready for Congress to lead by example and put an end to the free spending culture in Washington. Both parties have made too many irresponsible fiscal decisions for the federal government to think it can continue with business as usual. If Members of Congress want to truly represent their constituents, they have to show they can be trusted to make the tough choices needed to restore fiscal discipline and turn our economy around. They must start by cutting their own pay.

"I applaud the continuing work of taxpayer groups to ensure this issue is not forgotten. Reducing the salaries of Senators and Representatives is not about scoring political points -- it is about showing the people we get it and putting us back on the right course. It is not a silver bullet, but it is a necessary first step. I have been sending five percent of my own salary back to the taxpayers for months because I am convinced that Congress has not been doing enough, and we need to take decisive action right now.

"Serving the people of Greater Arizona is and always will be my first priority. I have already called on House leadership to hold a vote on my bill to cut Member pay before the 111th Congress adjourns in January. If they do not, then I hope that the next Congress will. The stakes are simply too high for Washington politicians to keep ducking their responsibility to lead by example."

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