The Heritage Foundation - Leadership for America

September 30, 2009 Bill San Antonio TX writes:

Let’s see - there’s no COLA increase for seniors but we need to increase the budget for our officials to run their offices and maintain their expenses?

They could easily become a patriot and take a drastic pay cut on behalf of the American Taxpayer. Most of them are doing just fine - thank you.

September 30, 2009 Howard Houchen, Hugo, OK. writes:

This is simply ridiculous. How dare they force us to relinquish and then spend more of OUR hard earned property to be even more incompetent than they have already proven themselves to be. I would ask the question: “Have you no decency?”, but, the answer has been crystal clear for quite some time. The arrogance of this “Ruling Regime” can no longer be tolerated, OUT with the lot!

September 30, 2009 Andrew Kim, Los Angeles, CA writes:

American born, American raised, and Damned proud.

This era of Progressive thinking has been destroying what our forefathers long fought to protect and preserve. The Progressive mind-set of a “living” Constitution and the claim that the Declaration of Independence is no longer valid creates a frightening, dark future.

They rally around a conventional equality, hoping to “correct” the natural inequality when I can not, should not be done. Even considering that conventional and natural equality are the same, one has to wonder; does the increase in pay for already well-off Senators equate equality when the nation spins further into financial crises?

The resounding answer is “NO!” Stop creating more tax bills disguised as other things like the Cap-and-Trade bill. These companies will simply pass on the costs to the people.

Action must be taken to, but with the conditions as they are now, I am taken back the the enormity of the task. You and I can not act alone. Our “white knight” must show himself, so that we may rally behind him.

September 30, 2009 Mike, Tucson writes:

Disgraceful! Their first act should be to take a cut in pay. Lead by example… or go home!

September 30, 2009 Susan, Missouri writes:

I want a detaild accounting of every single penny they’re spending, on what, on who, and when. I think the Congressional budget increases should have to be decided by popular vote.

October 1, 2009 MJ Eller, Ann Arbor, MI writes:

NO NO NO NO.

The Democrats in Congress are out of control.

How about “FIRE THEM ALL.”

October 1, 2009 Rob Sperring, Houston, TX writes:

Despicable human trash. The Statist does not have the word “responsibility” in their Websters.

October 1, 2009 Deborah SE USA writes:

Vote them out of office next re-election office.

October 1, 2009 Tom, Houston writes:

Nothing in DC will change until we change who we send there. You may like “your guy” and I may like “my guy”, but in the aggregate, congress is failing in its job. We need to replace the whole bunch before anything will change. Until we are ready to do that, don’t complain about more of the same.

October 1, 2009 Jennifer Foxx-Smith, Orangevale, CA writes:

This sickens me! How dare Congress increase their own incomes, while SO many are suffering from loss of jobs, loss of raises, loss of pensions, etc.

My father, long time government employee and Vietnam veteran, had his retirement majorly docked this past year. My sister and husband (also Gov. employee) were not given their normal raises - so this act by Congress is a very personal slap in our faces!!

I wish our forefathers could see how today’s government is running this great country into the ground, and stepping on the heads of every hard working decent citizen to get it there! CONGRESS - YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES!!!

I too, as Andrew that wrote before me so beautifully stated, am American born and raised and damn proud of that. But I have little respect for our governing body - Congress - that clearly has NO respect for the HARD WORKING citizens that pay them!!

October 1, 2009 Jeanne Stotler, woodbridge, Va writes:

They vote for a raise for themselves, and then say to seniors that you COLA will not come this year but the Medicare premium will increase, this means Our SS checks will be less in 2010 and yet we pay more for food, utilities and gas. Does this make sense, and if they have their way we will get less coverage from Medicare so our supplement policies will also increase in premiums. Seems those in Congress forget that seniors worked and put money into these funds, Social Sec. and Medicare for many years. They get their salaries for life, I wish we could get ours.

October 1, 2009 MARY writes:

HOW DARE THESE SO CALLED REPRESENTATIVES OF THE PEOPLE VOTE THEMSELVES A RAISE!!! NO.

October 1, 2009 jlw, indiana writes:

To Andrew Kim: When and where did the (liberal; socialist; communist or dictatorial) elites ever really consider the peons as equals? Even the good guys have a problem with this. It’s all about power and control.

October 1, 2009 Paula writes:

This tells us loud and clear who and what Congress is most concerned about - themselves. Please everyone - remember this on election day and clean house.

October 1, 2009 William Butler, Union City, CT writes:

This is truly despicable! It just goes to show how greedy these elected officials are. Most of the congressmen/women are millionaires to begin with. I think it would be safe to say that most of them are lawyers. We need to clean house! Starting this coming year!

October 1, 2009 Micki-Tamarac, FL writes:

The very idea just makes me sick. They are collecting enough already and don’t have to pay for anything. We pay their salaries, their plane fares their health care and their rent. They need to go and the sooner the better.
Our investments are just about gone, our social security is broke, our homes are not worth what they were a year ago, our costs on everything has gone up and they get a raise. What is wrong with us that we don’t do something about these thieves.
THEY ALL NEED TO GO!

October 1, 2009 mike scotts vallet ca. writes:

lets all DRIP on them ( DON’T REELECT INCUMBANT POLITICIANS)now is the time to rise up and toss the aragant a– out.Before its to late

October 1, 2009 Lloyd Scallan - New Orleans writes:

This Congress should not surprise anyone. Can’t we all understand these crooks and degenerates will do anything they want. They know they can’t be stopped. Just look at the past summer and the town halls. They don’t listen nor care about us. It’s only about how much they can grab then hope we will forget when the next election rolls around. I know many are saying the Republican are just as bad as the Dems. But just remember at election time, these atrocities against all of us
are being committed by Obama and the DEMOCRATS.

October 1, 2009 Scruffy, Arkansas writes:

More in-your-face screw-U attitude from our “representatives”. They represent themselves and their own greed and power hunger.

They should receive exactly the COLA that is granted to our military, civil servants, and retirees. While they are at it they should be forced by law to fall under any health care reform that they pass!

In my plans is to vote against all current office holders for the next three national elections! Exceptions granted only by a voting record that represents what honest citizens actually want. A one strike rule will be in play: Cap and Trade, or any of the current health care bills… a vote for either or any new hair brained bills will be a vote against them in the next election.

October 1, 2009 philip writes:

the only rules they have in gongress is thir greedy self centered programs that tax the american people to death and and fill their pockets with tax payers funds and not representing the will of the people or respect our fredoms and the constitution the congress just keep onn with pork barrel spending lineing thrir pockets with tax payers money now they have the gull to ask tax payer for a raise gongress is without shame lets vote them out

October 1, 2009 JOHN T. SEWELL, BURKESVILLE, KY. writes:

To my American brothers and sisters: Wake up America, enough is enough. To give themselves a pay increase while the rest of America is doing all she can to get by. As my grandfather would say, :That has just broke the camel’s back”. I have never backed down from any fight, even though some cost me dearly. This is our Country we are talking about here people, it is time that we unite like we never have before and demand that impeachment procedings to be started against Obama (he has not upheld the Constitution of the United States) and the criminal investigations and resignations of certain members of Congress. I know in my heart that the biggest part of the American people are hard working, good, and honest people that just want to recieve a fair days wage for a fair days work–AND they LOVE this Country. We will come togther as one and we will take back this Country that we LOVE, that our Fathers, Sons, Mothers, and Daughters, have died for and are dying today. My Grandfather served on WW1, My Dad in Korea and Vietnam, My Brothers in Desert Storm and MY SON in Iraq. Don’t you in Washington DC think you are just going to walk on us or the memories of our fallen HEROES, YOU HAD BETTER GET ANOTHER THOUGHT. I wonder sometimes where is the back bone of our Republican leaders, do they not have any or what. I am a Republican and love my party but I know there has got to be more they can do IF they are not afraid of their position or power they might loose if they stand like MEN. Maybe we the people of these United States of America need to relook at both parties and have an AMERICAN party, for the people and by the people for once. I am ready to stand up and be counted, as an American that has had enough, if I have to run for President in 2012. America, I could say alot more, if any of you want to talk about these problems, we are going through together, you can contact me at: sewelljohnt@gmail.com. May God Bless you and May God Bless the USA. Respectfully, John T. Sewell

October 1, 2009 ActinUp, Richardson, TX writes:

“The way to handle people is to treat them like chickens. Take away everything they have by plucking all their feathers and then throw them a few bread crumbs. They will then follow you forever.”
Josef Stalin

We here in Richardson just got yet another notice letting us know our recreational little league and soccer kids will have to pony up an additional $25.00 for any city park we use to practice on each practice and an increase to our game day fees.

It’s times like these I wish I had some farmland to convert into a field I could donate!

It’s all about the greed and power.

October 1, 2009 JBM- Jacksonville, FL writes:

This is despicable. We are all giving up a lot in this horrible economy, they need to do so as well. Please look at voting records before you vote them out, there are a few good ones. Please get involved, call, email, write, fax and let them know what you think and how you feel. It will take all of us doing this. Don’t count on your neighbor doing it for you.

October 1, 2009 Dean, Dallas writes:

Wow,
Blatant total disregard for our current financial situation. I have never before been felt as though we are being thrown under the bus as now. If congress were run as a legitimate business, with output of good legislation that serves a majority of the people as the product, they should be bankrupt several times over.

October 1, 2009 Dave, Florida writes:

So most Reps & Senators salaries increase to roughly $183,918 plus their expense account.

From Wikipedia®:
As of January 2009, the annual salary of each Representative is $174,000.[7] The Speaker of the House and the Majority and Minority Leaders earn more, $223,500 for the Speaker and $193,400 for their party leaders (the same as Senate leaders). A cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) increase takes effect annually unless Congress votes to not accept it. Congress sets members’ salaries; however, the Twenty-seventh Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits a change in salary (but not COLA[8]) from taking effect until after the next general election. Representatives are eligible for lifetime benefits after serving for five years, including a pension, health benefits, and social security benefits.[9]

October 1, 2009 Jill, California writes:

Is this the same Congress that is crucifying others for giving out bonuses?

Why aren’t we … their “employers” … voting on how much to pay members of Congress? If they were paid based on merit, they’d not get a single dime.

October 1, 2009 P. Hensley-Geogia writes:

With many American’s losing their jobs and taking pay cuts, how can Congress even think of a pay increase for themselves. You’ve got to be kidding.

October 1, 2009 Earl, Queens, NY writes:

So Congress is giving itself a pay raise? How much of a raise is it getting? Will they earn more or less than $250,000 - the figure at which the liar in chief BHO said that no one earning less would see any tax increase. If we are to have good and honest government, why can’t there be a law requiring voters’ approval of any congressional pay increases? With the democraps presently in charge, this congress deserves a pay cut!! If we can deny them a raise, and they don’t like it….too bad!! Let these democraps go out on strike!! As I’ve said before, it would be far better if these democraps did nothing at all than what they’ve been doing for the past 8 months!!

October 1, 2009 John Winston Salem, NC writes:

They are suppose to be our representatives, so until they can do what they are suppose to do NO MONEY. This is stupid. Are they the only ones who has to spend more to stay up with spending going up?

October 1, 2009 Patricia Spencer/Nauheim Santa Rosa,Ca.95402 writes:

It is PAST time for a reality check..personally, I have had to rely on family & friends after losing my husband 4 years ago…no work now for 8-9 mo…trying to avoid bankruptcy…I am one of many feeling THE SQUEEZE…NO RAISES FOR INCOMPETENT representation..What are they thinking???? Think AMERICA! ACT!PLEASE!

October 1, 2009 Sandra, California writes:

All I have to say is your days are counted all you Democrates! America will prevail!!

October 1, 2009 Ross writes from Bradenton, Florida writes:

I would suggest that the Republicans and “Blue Dog” Democrats shout at the top of their lungs; NO! to a payraise. Vote NO! to the payraise. Then if passed, refuse to accept it or give it to charity as a protest of this outrageous bill. My Rep’s will be hearing from me on this one. For once standup for decency. Standup to stupidity and tell your “peers”; “shame on you”, shame on you as our economy tanks because of your greed and grab for power.

October 1, 2009 Sandy Logsdon Dallas Texas writes:

John Sewell - I am with you. I, along with all my other country men and women, need to pull together and find a way to fix this problem. I think, unfortunately, that each of us feel the problem is TOO big to fix and that we just have to wait and see - that “I” cannot make a difference if it is just me. That mentallity needs to change and I, for one, am willing to do that. Therefore, if enough of us can come together, we can be a force and can accomplish anything. I will be emailing you on a personal level and urge all of the above to do the same and, hopefully, we can find a way to fight this together.

October 1, 2009 Jo,Mich writes:

This is truly the meaning of chutzpah. What gall these people have!!!!!

October 1, 2009 Bobbie Jay writes:

Poor, Poor hypocrites. Calling the private sector “greedy,” while thieving our money to fill their undeserving pockets as they continue to be proud of their non-productive ideas.

Progressivism must be to reward failures “by deliberate deception,” with the robbing of the innocent!

President Clinton is commendable for what he stated regarding government increase. As they work for us, it should be up to us, THE TAX PAYER and nobody else.

October 1, 2009 Ken from Tempe,Az. writes:

Call Sheriff Bart, and kick the bums out of Rockridge,(Congress)NOW!
One(1)term only for the crooks…

October 1, 2009 Kathy, Canandaigua,NY writes:

I am sitting here listening to “RUSH” and getting more angry and frustrated. I heartily agree with all of the prior comments. The audacity of our elected representatives is beyond imagination!!! We need to get rid of everyone and start over and continue to do this until we find leaders that are up to the job! Help us all!

October 1, 2009 John Roane Sarasota, Florida writes:

They work so hard every day for us, how can you oppose them getting a raise? It’s only some 500+ people out of 300,000,000+ million Americans that can’t be to expensive? It’s not like they are there filling their own pockets, making millions on the backs of the little people, they fight our wars and defend us from our own stupidity. They deserve a raise after all they are the ones sacrificing thier freedom for the good of the country.

Same on us, we should work as hard, working 2 – 3 days a week, with only several months of a year.

October 1, 2009 dave, dayton writes:

As they are about to do with the Health Care Reform, they will attach the bills they want to sneak through to a necessary piece of legislation that everyone knows has to get passed. As far as the raise goes, what else do you expect, they will get what they can while they can. They are politicians, what do we expect? Until we learn to vote in people who are not professional politicians,(who the hell are we going to get to run that isn’t a politician)people that are DR’s, small business owners, farmers, teachers. You know, like the ones who wrote the Constitution ? Real people, not professional politicians.

October 1, 2009 Jerry from Chicago writes:

I have said it countless times before, too many of those in the House and Senate think of themselves as royalty, special people who are above the rabble and who, by their status, are beyond question or criticism.

Look at the way they react to any constituents who dare criticize or question them. Consider their reactions to the people who attended ‘Tea Party’ tax protest assemblies and to those who attended Townhall meetings, hosted by those in the House and Senate. These Senators and Congressmen were shocked at the reaction of the crowds. An intelligent Congressman might have opened a Townhall meeting by saying, “Hello, my name is __________, and I represent the ___ district of our State in the House of Representatives. I’m here today to listen to what you folks have to say about House Bill #3200, the Health Care Reform Bill. After everyone who wants to speak has done so, I will do my best to answer any questions you may have”, then sat down with a note pad to record the comments of his constituents. That’s what an intelligent Congressman might have done.

Some took a different tack, and decided to set their constituents straight, telling them that they didn’t know what they were talking about. Many tried to defend their position of not reading the legislation they were proposing. Still others took offense at the complaints of the audiences and in other venues took the position of attacking the audiences as, ignorant, un-American, angry mobs, nazis, brown shirts, evil-mongers and in the pay of wealthy right-wing organizations. That went over well.

One of my favorite responses to the challange of why Congressmen didn’t read House Bill 3200 (the Health Care Reform bill) before pushing for its passage came from Congressman Conyers of Michigan. “That bill was a thousand pages long. It would take days to read it and two lawyers to understand it.” What a great answer! At least it was close to the truth. It would take days to read it and probably more than just two lawyers to understand it.

Another great response to the same question came from Arlen Spector who replied, “These are lengthy bills. We routinely parcel these bills out to staff for review and comment. You have to understand that we have to move quickly on these bills.” To which his audience, almost to a man, shouted WHY? Senator Spector looked stunned. He couldn’t answer the question shouted out by the crowd. WHY INDEED does a trillion dollar piece of legislation directly affecting the security of every American have to be acted on (approved)quickly, before it has been read, understood and thoroughly debated. I’ll tell you why. For the same reason the Stimulous bill was rammed through without being read, understood or debated - because if the American people had known what was involved, they would have reacted the same way they did to Health Care Reform.

October 1, 2009 ed new jersey writes:

its got to be obvious to most, that these people are trying ruin our united states, our way of life, our traditions, our values,and everything that makes this country the greatest country on earth. but hey more importantly lets make sure the olympics come to chicago that takes top billing over sending more needed troops to afganistan. give me a break , does the word impeach mean anything.

October 1, 2009 Ned V. Petrak writes:

Why does congress think they merit a pay raise when they don’t give a raise to senior citizens, or retired military veterans. All did more for this great nation than anyone in congress!

October 1, 2009 Phil, Albuquerque N.M. writes:

Thomas Jefferson aptly described the behavior and attitude of our Congress we see today back in 1787:
“Cherish, therefore, the spirit of our people, and keep alive their attention. Do not be too severe upon their errors, but reclaim them by enlightening them. If once they become inattentive to the public affairs, you and I, and Congress, and Assemblies, Judges, and Governors, shall all become wolves.” –Thomas Jefferson, letter to Edward Carrington, 1787

We need more Sheepdogs today!

October 1, 2009 Rita from New Jersey writes:

SHAME ON YOU CONGRESS. HOW CAN YOU GIVE YOURSELVES A PAY RAISE WHEN THOUSANDS OF
PEOPLE ARE OUT OF WORK. YOU SHOULD TAKE
A PAY CUT LIKE A LOT OF US HAVE TO DO.

October 1, 2009 Mike T, Carrollton, Tx writes:

Let me insure my understanding of this system. Congress is voting on a healthcare program for everyone but THEMSELVES. Congress has allowed no increases in Social Security but THEIR salary increases are automatic. I’m certain these two insights are but faint understandings of just how unfair those bastards have become. What a disgrace they have become.

If I see one, I promise (even if it means jail) to spit on them.

October 2, 2009 OPAS writes:

BLA BLA BLA BLA BLA !!!!,
THAT is as intelligent as you “TELLING” Congress to do something. WAKE UP! VOTE THEM OUT
Put YOUR COUNTRY ahead of your POLITICAL PARTY and petty projects.
YOU UNDECIDES have been led by the nose to throw your vote away!
The solution is a no brainer —–
IF YOU want a Socialist/Communist government, then vote Democrat or vote INDEPENDENT or Protest Vote for a loser, so a Socialist Democrat will win.
IF you value the OLD AMERICA of your parents and Grandparents then you better VOTE REPUBLICANS back in.
THEN - GET AFTER THE NEW ONES YOU VOTE IN, INSIST that they DO NOT vote for Special Interest groups.
IF you want to get rid of Pelosi and her ilk, BE AN AMERICAN FIRST and clean out your houses, CONGRESS AND SENATE.
The SILENT MAJORITY can roar at the ballot box.

October 2, 2009 Roxanne, Colorado writes:

The congress has a lot of nerve. I don’t see how they can sleep at night. They have forgotten they are supposed to work and represent US. I also resent all the money going to ex-presidents and their families for security for life.

October 2, 2009 James Frazee, Arkansas writes:

Looking through all of these comments makes me think of only one thing. There are no term limits for Congress. But remember if you really care and really mean what you stated here, the voter can impose their own form of term limits. Get active and vote them out of office, every term if necessary until Congress to gets the word!

October 2, 2009 Mike T, Carrollton, Tx writes:

James,
Without a doubt, shall vote them out. Come on voters,,,stand up !!!!!

October 3, 2009 Mary A. Colton Florida writes:

I agree-vote them out!! It’s all about ME, THE CONGRESS, not WE THE PEOPLE!!

October 3, 2009 The Congress that Keeps on Giving « A View from the Nest writes:

[...] clipped from blog.heritage.org [...]

October 3, 2009 George Barrows, North Carolina writes:

You can see who is not getting my votes next year and I still suggest that the pays be reduced to where they were 10 years ago. We have too many “Professional” money grabbers in Congress and the House.

October 4, 2009 Linda Carlsbad, CA writes:

They are not in the real world. The world that the economy is so bad, people who have made it for the last 25 years in business, are dieing! Why do they care, they get a paycheck every week, they don’t have to worry about their house payment, gas cards, bills! Being so stressed out they can’t even enjoy their life anymore! It is crazy when we American’s are standing up, telling them we don’t approve on how they are running our country and they continue, and now give themselves a raise. I thought you got a raise when you did a good job!Congress and the President get a F, in my book!

October 4, 2009 Elaine, Georgia writes:

There is so much going on in America today that is so wrong.
Let’s all remember God gives us the answer in the Bible verse II Chronicles 7:14: If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and heal their land.
And we should remember to vote against evil politicians and for the few good ones that we can find.

October 6, 2009 Mike T, Carrollton, Tx writes:

Amen, Elaine……

October 8, 2009 marilyn c denver colorado writes:

I am so unhappy about this pay raise, and I found out that they have their own medical clinic run by the Navy, no cost, free, the best doctors and surgeons. Plus, when we send them money so they can get elected they get to take that money home for their personal use when they leave office. Also, they are giving thousands of dollars in bonuses to their staff and saying oh well. They take money from the drug companies, wall street, weapon companies, private security companies. Yet they say the public should be able to pay 20 percent of thier income for healthcare. When I find out who voted for a pay raise and congressional budget increase I will not vote for them. I am done with it all and all the corruption. I wish I would have voted for McCain now./

October 10, 2009 BLANCOBILL , Sebring Florida writes:

SO SORRY PEOPLE, I AM SO ASHAMED TO SAY I’VE BEEN A DEMOCRAT ALL MY LIVE (67years). I promise that in the next election I will carry folks to the poll to vote for “new” Republicans for our Senate and Congress. “WE ARE READY TO MAKE A CHANGE FOR THE PEOPLE.”
We can’t even get a raise on our $1311.00 month Social Security. OUR CONGRESSMEN SHOULD BE ASHAMED TO TAKE A RAISE.
GOD BLESS AMERICA AND OUR SOLDIERS.

October 15, 2009 $250vs$4000 , De Witt Arkansas writes:

I am fed up. I am not going to repeat what everybody else has already said but it is not WE THE PEOPLE anymore. It is we the people under the GOVERNMENT of THE UNITED STATES. Maybe a Congressional Teaparty is in order???

October 21, 2009 David Coulter writes:

DOD spending equal to 18-20 other leading nations
compared to the U.S. spending gets little attention. Neither does 60 billion in Iraq–around half of which went into “Contractors pockets” It seems that the serious spending is involved with bebefiting any U.S, citizen.
No ceiling on callowness or hypocracy?

October 22, 2009 Thetotas California writes:

Where is the Media Coverage?

October 23, 2009 SharonS., San Antonio, Texas writes:

I just found this site after asking a question on Google — I was looking for the last time Congress gave itself a raise as I recalled it was right after the “American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009″ or Stimulus, which is where I was told they voted to disallow a COLA to Social Security recipients for the next 3 years!! I recall reading somewhere that after Congress gave themselves a raise around that time, they agreed not to take a raise themselves for the same amount of time. Lord, I cannot imagine Congress lying to us!? Am I having another senior moment? Can anyone else recall that? I didn’t even know about the current raise!! Did that just happen this past September? What a load of c—!!

October 26, 2009 Toni dupont-Mora, Sacramento, California writes:

I am disappointed in! frustrated with! and ashamed! of our Congressmen. Basically our Law Makers all of them!I feel that with all the cuts that the people of the United States have been forced to take, and continue to be forced to take is an atrocity! Our Law Makers should be the very first to take cuts in Pay and benefits. Lead by example. But NO! That’s not what they have done! They have awarded themselves with a nice FAT, Juicy raise! When people are still losing their jobs, taking pay cuts, working less days, Losing their homes! Here are our Congressmen with their “GOD” complex fattening their own wallets as usual! at the expense of the average citizen. Shame on you! None 0f you will receive my vote in the next election! and I will do my best to see that you lose the votes of others, to ensure that our existing Congress is voted out. We need a fresh Congress, one that is not corrupted by money, and Special interest groups.

October 27, 2009 Angie, Ohio writes:

The reason congress might get an increase in pay? It`s in the constitution my dears. They have turned down automatic increases in the past and more than likely will do this time around also. Just remember, both democratic and republican congressmen have gotten these raises.