Norquist Endorses Mitchell's Anti-Pay Raise Bill

Americans for Tax Reform President Grover Norquist has urged members of Congress to co-sponsor U.S. Rep. Harry Mitchell's legislation to block the 2009 automatic congressional pay raise, calling the proposal "a symbolic step toward showing taxpayers fiscal restraint has returned to Washington."

Last month, Mitchell joined forces with U.S. Rep. Ron Paul, R-Texas, to introduce H.R. 5087, the Stop the Congressional Pay Raise Act of 2008, which would block the automatic $4,400 pay raise members of Congress are set to receive next year. The legislation now has 31 co-sponsors; it has also been endorsed by the National Taxpayers Unions and Council for Citizens Against Government Waste. [Source: Phoenix Business Journal, Feb. 11, 2008]

In a letter to members of the House, Norquist wrote, "The automatic pay raise received by members of Congress is indicative of a larger government spending and accountability problem. This bipartisan legislation would send a signal to taxpayers that Congress is watching the economy and sees the struggles taxpayers are facing."

Mitchell said he appreciates Americans for Tax Reform's support for the Mitchell-Paul legislation and hopes it will educate his colleagues on both sides of the aisle about the importance of forgoing the 2009 pay raise.

"The American people didn't get a pay raise this year," said Mitchell. "I do not know how in good conscience, we, as their representatives in Congress can accept one, especially at a time of war, economic uncertainty and burgeoning national debt."

Mitchell - who vowed not to accept the 2008 automatic congressional pay raise after efforts to block it fell short - donated his $4,100 increase in pay to 10 Arizona charities earlier this month.

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