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Congress Proposes 40% Pay Raise to $243,300, First Increase Since 2009, and Opt-Out of Obamacare Amid Low Approval Ratings

Dec 18, 2024, 07:11 PM

The U.S. Congress is poised to receive its first pay increase in 15 years as part of a Continuing Resolution (CR) spending bill. If passed, the salaries of members of Congress will rise from $174,000 to $243,300 annually, representing a 40% increase. This proposal has sparked controversy, particularly given Congress's low approval ratings, which hover around 19%. The bill is expected to be enacted by December 20, 2024, and also includes a provision allowing lawmakers to opt out of the Affordable Care Act, specifically the Obamacare exchanges. Critics have expressed concern over the timing of the pay raise, arguing that it is inappropriate given the financial struggles faced by many Americans. The last pay raise for Congress occurred in 2009, and lawmakers are now citing a cost-of-living adjustment as justification for the increase. The spending bill, which spans 1,547 pages, has been described as containing provisions that benefit lawmakers while the general public continues to face economic challenges.