Congressman Jim Matheson is again introducing a bipartisan bill to eliminate the automatic pay raise for Members of Congress. It is co-sponsored by three Democrats and three Republicans.
"Every year, without a vote or even a debate, members of Congress get a pay raise. This stealth system allows us to get a salary increase without lifting a finger, and that does not seem right to me," said Matheson.
Matheson said that the 27th Amendment to the Constitution states "No law varying the compensation for the services of the Senators and Representatives shall take effect until an election of Representatives shall have intervened." Yet by setting up the automatic mechanism in the Ethics Reform Act of 1989, that was deemed the vote on future adjustments. Matheson has often been the lone voice in the House arguing against the secretive nature of the pay raise.
Matheson's bill amends the law to eliminate automatic pay adjustments.
"I'm not saying Congress should never get a raise. I am saying that as we consider serious budget issues such as deficits and debt, funding for two wars and other priorities, an automatic pay raise is irresponsible, "said Matheson.