Andrea Joy Campbell: “as the former chairman and now ranking member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Treasury and General Government, I…”

“as the former chairman and now ranking member of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Treasury and General Government, I would like to make a few observations on this amendment and tell my colleagues at the outset that my comments are not designed to bring into question the motives of any Senator who votes for the amendment. But there is an old adage: If the shoe fits, wear it. We have had to wrestle with some pretty important issues since September 11. During that time, I think Members of this body have displayed a great deal of courage. And their constituents certainly have the right to expect that kind of courage. But that is the way it should be. Neither bombs nor fires, terrorists nor wars have been able to shake our resolve, but the mention of a pay raise somehow makes a lot of Senators' courage melt like snowballs in summer, and that iron will begins to make them shake in their boots. Some Senators may honestly believe we should not receive a pay raise at any cost. Some, in fact, think we should be working here for nothing. Some maybe just don't think they are worth the salary.…”