Rep. Ruiz Votes to Block Congressional Pay Raise

Statement

U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-Palm Desert) today voted for H.R. 273 to overturn an automatic pay raise for Members of Congress and continue the current federal government pay freeze. This legislation is estimated to save U.S. taxpayers $11 billion.

"During a time when many families in the 36th District are struggling to make ends meet and our country is facing a $17 trillion national debt and the threat of deep, across-the-board cuts to defense and health care programs, the last thing Members of Congress should be doing is giving themselves a taxpayer-funded pay raise," said Rep. Ruiz. "It is time for Congress to show the American people we are serious about eliminating unnecessary spending, and that begins with personal accountability and ending wasteful pay raises for ourselves."

H.R. 273 passed the House by a margin of 261 to 154, with 43 Democrats, including Rep. Ruiz, voting in support.

Source