Heinrich: Blocking Congressional Pay Raise For 2011

Press Release

As an original cosponsor of legislation to stop the automatic pay raise for Members of Congress in FY2011, U.S. Representative Martin Heinrich (NM-1) applauded the final passage of H.R. 5146 today in the House. The bill blocks the annual cost-of-living adjustment for the salaries of Members of Congress in 2011, saving taxpayers about a million dollars. Rep. Heinrich released the following statement:

"Both years that I've served in Congress I have cosponsored legislation to prevent a pay raise for my colleagues and me. While families in New Mexico are struggling to make ends meet, members of Congress do not need to be increasing their salaries. I am determined to bring our nation out from under the weight of this recession.

"For the sake of our children, and for our financial future, we must reinstate fiscal discipline in Washington, D.C."

H.R. 5146 passed the House today by a vote of 402 to 15. The Senate passed identical legislation (S. 3244) denying the automatic $1,600 pay raise last week by voice vote (April 22). This would continue the current pay freeze already in place for 2010. The bill now goes to the President's desk for his signature.

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