Media reports and congressional debates

Congress Seeks 40% Pay Raise to $243,300 in 1,547-Page Spending Bill; Durbin Defends Increase

Dec 18, 2024, 08:15 PM

Members of Congress are poised to receive their first pay raise since 2009 under a 1,547-page continuing resolution spending bill aimed at preventing a government shutdown. The proposed bill would increase lawmakers' salaries by 40%, from $174,000 to $243,300 per year. Senator Dick Durbin, the Senate Majority Whip and number two Senate Democrat, was confronted by CNN reporter Manu Raju about whether members of Congress deserve a pay raise given their low approval rating of around 13% and the country's economic challenges. Durbin responded, "Half of your viewers aren't there anymore and you're still getting the same paycheck." The bill also reportedly includes provisions allowing lawmakers to opt out of the Affordable Care Act and return to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. The proposed pay increase has sparked criticism from the public and some officials, who question whether Congress merits a raise while Americans are struggling economically. Representative Dan Crenshaw is reported to be leading the effort to secure the pay raise for Congress.