So far he has. The former civics teacher has only been there a few days — members were sworn in on Tuesday — but he has already spoken out against the gutless way Congress has found to give itself pay raises each year without actually having to vote on them.
On Jan. 1, members of Congress got their salaries bumped to $174,000 a year. They did it by latching their pay to the Labor Department's Employment Cost Index. That way there is no evidence that could be turned against incumbents in re-election campaigns.
To actually stop a salary increase from happening automatically, it has to be voted on. Congress can’t seem to muster the heart or the votes to defeat the automatic increase.
In a story today by staff reporter Johnny Woodard, Kissell says he would like to change that. He has joined an effort by former Republican presidential contender Ron Paul to revoke the $4,700 annual cost of living increase.
Kissell said if the bill dies, he would refuse the money.
“It just isn't right for Congress to give itself a pay increase while so many people are struggling to make ends meet,” the freshman Congressman has said.
We couldn’t agree more.
Members of Congress already get close to $170,000. This latest increase for all 535 senators and representatives is expected to cost American taxpayers an additional $2.5 million this year.
What have we gotten for all that money?
Not much. The federal deficit is headed toward $1 trillion. The national debt stands at $10 trillion. The economy has tanked with people losing their jobs or their homes or both.
One would think the politicians could hold off lining their pockets at least until the economy improves. These are the same folks who were so incensed over the multi-million dollar compensation packages for Wall Street and automobile company executives.
We know Congress deserves something. But a pay raise ain’t it.
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