Lawmakers seek to freeze pay, end automatic raises

[cal04]

http://thehill.com/homenews/house/168925-lawmakers-seek-to-freeze-pay-end-automatic-raises

Lawmakers have introduced nearly 20 pieces of legislation this Congress to try and slash or freeze their own paychecks for 2013.

Attacks on their six-figure salaries have become increasingly popular in recent years, as members face the wrath of constituents dissatisfied with the state of the economy and often plagued by personal financial challenges themselves.

“In this economy, Americans across the country are out of work, and those who are working are certainly not getting annual raises,” said Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), who has proposed one of the measures that would do away with automatic pay increases for lawmakers.

“There’s no reason Congress should be getting a pay raise each year. We hear a lot of talk about cutting back, and the automatic pay raises should be the first item on the chopping block,” she said.

[Obamanaut]

1. If this passes, I'll be watching for a flock of pigs flying south for the winter. nt

[mucifer]

2. Doesn't matter. They get their money when they leave their

congressional posts to become lobbyists.

[liberal N proud]

3. It is a token gesture

Their real income is from the lobbies anyway.

[monmouth]

4. It is a token gesture, were bonuses not just handed out? What a joke..n/t