House Panel Blocks Pay Bump for Lawmakers

Members of the House Appropriations Committee voted on June 13 to extend a pay freeze for members of Congress as their constituents struggle with rising costs of living. The move came during the panel’s mark-up of the fiscal year 2025 appropriations bill for the legislative branch. Before sending the bill to the full House in a 33–24 vote, members voted to amend its language to block a cost-of-living adjustment for members of Congress. While those in leadership roles receive more, the salary for rank-and-file members of Congress has been capped at $174,000 for 15 years—a fact some were hoping to change. “This is a serious issue as to whether or not the only people that could serve here are rich people,” Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said during the meeting....