Todd Tiahrt: “Mr. Chairman, last year Congress acted to freeze the salaries of Members of Congress by disallowing the automatic pay…”

“Mr. Chairman, last year Congress acted to freeze the salaries of Members of Congress by disallowing the automatic pay raise. The Metcalf-Tiahrt amendment would continue this freeze for an additional year. The message of our amendment sends to the American people is simple and straightforward. This Congress has decided to deal with pay raises in the open and in the light of day. Even though this amendment will save over $7 million next year alone, it is less about saving money for the American taxpayer than it is about doing the right thing. This issue should be conducted in an up or down vote in the open. The American people deserve no less than that. When this country has a $5 trillion debt and when we are struggling to balance the Federal budget, I do not believe it is prudent for this Congress or high-ranking Government officials within the administration to accept a pay raise. We have repeatedly asked the American people to tighten their belts and help us balance the budget. We all know we must lead by example and prove that we are here to serve the people and make America better. This Congress has already demonstrated its commitment to integrity and maintaining the trust of the American people.”