HAS CONSISTENTLY OPPOSED COST OF LIVING ADJUSTMENTS FOR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS

Washington, Jun 28, 2005 - "Waging the War on Terrorism and reinvigorating the economy are the pressing issues before us - not enacting another pay raise for Members of Congress," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "I urge my colleagues to put their personal interests aside and defeat this COLA." Today, Stearns cast a procedural vote on H.R. 3058, the Transportation, Treasury, and HUD Appropriations Act, to stop an automatic cost of living adjustment (COLA) for members of Congress. This procedural action failed.

lthough H.R. 3058 does not include a provision providing for the annual COLA for members of Congress, if the measure is not amended to prevent the pay raise and the bill passes, the COLA is automatic. However, if the procedural vote had succeeded, it would have provided an opportunity to offer an amendment to stop the COLA. The House is expected to approve the final bill on Wednesday.