U.S. House Approves Teague Backed Bill To Block Congressional Pay Raises

Press Release

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation that will block the automatic pay raise members of Congress were scheduled to receive in 2011. Today's action is the latest achievement in a series of efforts by Harry Teague to stop the automatic pay raise that members of Congress have been receiving regularly since 1989.

"As a small businessman in the oil and gas industry for over thirty years, I know that when times are tough, we have to tighten our belts. That's why the very first bill I ever sponsored in Congress was a bill to stop the automatic pay raise for Members of Congress," said Harry Teague. "While many working New Mexicans are struggling to make ends meet, it is insulting that anyone would accept an automatic pay raise -- something most constituents in my district will have to do without."

Congressman Teague has continually opposed Congressional pay raises since first taking office in January 2009. He was an original co-sponsor of a measure to block federal lawmakers from receiving automatic pay increases for the 2010 fiscal year. The measure was eventually adopted by Congressional leaders and the 2010 pay raise was eliminated.

Congressman Teague has also sponsored legislation to cut pay for all Senators and Representatives by 5% beginning January 1, 2011. Enactment of the Taking Responsibility for Congressional Pay Act would reduce federal spending and reverse the trend of unchecked pay increases that Congress has received over the past decade.

The U.S. Senate passed similar legislation last week.

Click Here to watch a video of Harry Teague speaking on the floor of the House of Representatives about the importance of blocking the pay raise.

Source