Stephanie Herseth Sandlin: “it is with regret that I rise today in opposition to the Treasury-Postal appropriations bill. This bill contains many…”

“it is with regret that I rise today in opposition to the Treasury-Postal appropriations bill. This bill contains many worthwhile programs that are deserving of funding. However, the manner in which this bill came to the floor denied Members the opportunity to vote for or against the cost of living pay increase for Members of Congress. I strongly believe we should be honest enough with ourselves and with the American people to openly support or oppose this increase instead of sitting silently by while it automatically goes into effect. When I introduced my legislation, H.R. 2219, to prevent Members from receiving the 1998 pay adjustment, I did so because I believe it is irresponsible for us to increase our own pay at a time when we have not met our obligation to the American people to balance the Federal budget. Only days after I introduced my legislation, the Republican leadership in both houses was widely quoted in the press as saying the pay raise was dead for the year. But instead of letting it die a well-deserved death, they made late night, back room deals and brought this bill to the House floor in a manner accorded precious few pieces of legislation. They brought it to the floor with no rule to ensure that the pay raise would go into effect. I made a commitment to the people of east Texas to eliminate the Federal deficit before I would agree to raise my pay. I made a commitment to ensure that Medicare is solvent before we raise our pay.”