Platts Votes Against Congressional Pay Raise

On June 13, 2006, Representative Todd Russell Platts (R-PA) voted against a 2% cost-of-living increase in pay scheduled to take place for Members of Congress in January 2007.  Platts has consistently opposed the annual cost-of-living increase since first being elected to Congress in 2000.

Every year, Congressional salaries increase automatically by formula unless Congress acts to stop the increase.  Republican and Democrat leaders in the House have routinely prevented a direct vote from taking place on the issue.  Opponents of automatic pay increases must instead use procedural motions to debate the matter.  Traditionally, these procedural motions occur when the House of Representatives considers the annual appropriations bill for the Department of Treasury.   

 "I have always advocated that a straight up-or-down vote be taken prior to any Congressional pay raise taking place," Rep. Platts stated.  "In fact, given the serious fiscal challenges facing our nation, I believe Congress should forgo its cost-of-living increase altogether."

Platts is the prime sponsor of legislation (H.R. 4494), along with Representative Jim Matheson (D-UT), to repeal automatic pay increases for Members of Congress.  Yesterday's vote occurred when Rep. Matheson attempted to force consideration of an amendment to the Treasury appropriations bill to stop the 2007 cost-of-living adjustment for members of Congress.  Direct consideration of the amendment was blocked, however, by a vote of 249 to 167.  Both Platts and Matheson voted to allow the amendment to be considered.