Congressman Larry Kissell voted to reject the cost-of-living pay raise for U.S. Representatives Wednesday. The provision to block the raise was included in the rule for the Omnibus Appropriations Act.

Kissell's first act as a U.S. Congressman nearly seven weeks ago was to co-sponsor a bill with Texas Rep. Ron Paul to block the cost-of-living pay raise that would otherwise be automatic for members of the House.

"It would just be wrong to accept a raise while so many people in my district are without jobs," Kissell said.

"I cannot understand how politicians can talk about belt-tightening without ever managing to do it themselves.

"While pay raises are being rejected on Capitol Hill, funds from the Omnibus Appropriations Act are headed to struggling communities. And that's how it should be. I am happy we were able to divert money that would have gone for a Congressional pay raise and target it directly to our district."

In total, $6.036 million is headed to the 8th District.