Lee Metcalf: “Mr. Chairman, I am joined by the gentleman from Kansas [Mr. Tiahrt] and the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Luther] in a…”

“Mr. Chairman, I am joined by the gentleman from Kansas [Mr. Tiahrt] and the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Luther] in a bipartisan proposal to freeze the pay of the Members of Congress. As my colleagues are aware, the cost-of-living adjustment for Congress is a permanent law and it will take place automatically. Without our amendment, Members of Congress will receive more than a $3,000 raise. The Metcalf-Tiahrt-Luther amendment is exactly the same as the amendment passed last year. It will freeze the pay of the Members of Congress, the Vice President, Members of the Cabinet, Federal judges, and senior administrative heads in the Executive Schedule pay levels 1 through 5. It is my understanding that the individuals covered in this amendment make more than $100,000 a year. In fact, Members of Congress, as we know, make $133,600 per year. We all know that there are unique financial demands made on Members of Congress. We have to maintain a place to stay in the Nation's Capital and a residence in our home State. But many American families have to make do with a far smaller salary. It is our No. 1 job to save this Nation from bankruptcy by balancing the budget. I believe that Members of Congress should not get any pay raise, at least until the budget is balanced. We are working hard to save money wherever we can. This pay freeze will save $7 million the first year and $10 million every year thereafter.”