Opposition to Cost-of-Living Adjustment to Members' Pay

 by Congressman Jerry Moran

June 28, 2005

Mr. Chairman, I rise to voice my opposition to the existing law that provides an automatic annual cost-of-living pay increase for Members of Congress.

While I appreciate the hard work of my colleagues on this bill, I object to the process and believe it should be reformed. Failure to allow an up or down vote on this issue only serves to increase cynicism towards the political process and confirms the feeling of many voters that their representatives are out of touch. The American public deserves better. Members of Congress should be on record with our constituents as to whether we believe an increase in our salary is justified. Given the opportunity, I would vote "no."  

Fiscal discipline must start with Members of Congress. While our nation's economy continues to improve, our national debt remains at unprecedented levels and many rural Americans are struggling. Struggling to put food on the table. Struggling to make their farms and businesses profitable. Struggling to pay skyrocketing medical costs. Struggling to educate their children. Struggling to save for retirement. The people we represent deserve responsible government and Congress should not receive an automatic cost-of-living increase during these challenging economic times.