Does Congress deserve a raise?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 15:30:10 -0500

Response by SGT Jim Z. made Feb 9 at 2015 3:32 PM

SGT Jim Z. — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 15:32:25 -0500

In fact they need to take a pay cut

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 3:56 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 15:56:54 -0500

Defiantly not, and the day that they do deserve one then the American people will let them know.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Feb 9 at 2015 4:10 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 16:10:01 -0500

Man, this isn't going to be popular.

Alright..... Two schools of thought.

1) Should Congress be paid at all? Should it be an all volunteer Legislature? The issue with this, is that it means that anyone who does this is going to be independently wealthy. Are they really going to represent the People?

2) If they are paid, what should the pay be? It should be sizable enough to justify a Position of Trust. That means that they can't be BRIBED.

The Volunteer concept fails on its merits. So we are forced to pay them. When deciding how much to pay them, they are all doing the same job, therefore they all get paid the same. It doesn't matter if you 'lead' 4 people or 400, you get paid the same (as a rep), and all States have 2 Senators.

Keep in mind that Congressmen (Reps & Senators) are Top Level Executives. They have salaries as such.

We may not feel like they 'earn' them, but they actually do a lot of work. They may not be 'effective' or 'efficient' but that doesn't mean they don't do a lot of work.

I had to contact my Rep last month about a VA Claim. They took care of me. I imagine there are hundreds of those. Monthly. And other government agencies. But we don't see that. All we see is the 30 seconds on the media where they are saying whatever soundbite is coming next. Just like the General doesn't see the 12 hours of paperwork, 6 hours of Armory time, 2 hours of Motor Stables, etc that you do.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 4:46 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 16:46:21 -0500

Not at all, they may go to work but they don't actually do any work. Wait they really don't even go work except when it election season.

Response by LTJG Robert M. made Feb 9 at 2015 5:01 PM

LTJG Robert M. — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 17:01:40 -0500

As soon as A service Member can serve one tour and get lifetime pay.

Response by SGT Bryon Sergent made Feb 9 at 2015 5:25 PM

SGT Bryon Sergent — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 17:25:46 -0500

HELL NO!

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 7:01 PM

LT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 19:01:52 -0500

101% votes right now....

Response by MAJ David Vermillion made Feb 9 at 2015 7:05 PM

MAJ David Vermillion — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 19:05:00 -0500

They are all millionaires now and have more vacation time than anyone in this country. Even after their term is over they are set for life.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 7:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 19:09:30 -0500

Ummm. NO!!!

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Feb 9 at 2015 7:10 PM

LTC Stephen C. — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 19:10:37 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member, absolutely not!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 7:11 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 19:11:47 -0500

Absolutely Not.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 7:53 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 19:53:22 -0500

Their pay should be tied to public debt. If public debt goes up, their pay goes down.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Feb 9 at 2015 8:23 PM

CPT Jack Durish — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 20:23:51 -0500

How about instead of giving them a raise, we cut their hours?

Limit each session of Congress to 60 days. The Texas legislature seems to function well on a plan similar to this.

Build boarding houses nearby for them to stay at so they don't need expensive homes. Provide shuttles to transport them between the houses and their offices. Give them free meals (the First Lady can be in charge of the menus - that'll encourage them to stay away).

What's the alternative? What we have now is the alternative. The longer Congress stays in session, the more time they have to get into mischief. Spend money. Grow government unconstitutionally.

Yes, I like this idea. One Congressional session equals 60 days. No more...

Response by TSgt Kevin Buccola made Feb 9 at 2015 8:34 PM

TSgt Kevin Buccola — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 20:34:38 -0500

congress is a public service and should have term limits, no retirement, have to have the same health care we have and then go back in real world work like the rest of us

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 9:01 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 21:01:49 -0500

LOL I said yes

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 10:43 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 22:43:10 -0500

I think they make enough. They should take whatever raise they would get and add it to the pot for funds that will go towards active duty pay raises.

Response by PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) made Feb 9 at 2015 10:45 PM

PO2 Stephen Brinkley (Scott) — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 22:45:15 -0500

SGT Private RallyPoint Member i agree with everyone who has stated no, hell no, and they need a pay decrease. I have a HUGE problem with them getting even more money. Their making $175k a year, plus free medical, plus free travel to their state, plus, plus, plus.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 11:43 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 23:43:05 -0500

Coming here and asking if Congress deserves a raise is like asking if we all deserve a paycut.

Response by SrA Marc Haynes made Feb 9 at 2015 11:48 PM

SrA Marc Haynes — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 23:48:34 -0500

SGT Jim Z. and make them adhere to every piece of legislation that they pass and cut everyone of their perks (why do they deserve to fly 1st class?).

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Feb 9 at 2015 11:52 PM

CPT Chris Loomis — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 23:52:33 -0500

Okay... How do I say this nicely.... HELL NO.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 9 at 2015 11:55 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 09 Feb 2015 23:55:41 -0500

So i guess it's a no ....

Response by CPO Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 12:00 AM

CPO Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 00:00:24 -0500

should they even get paid in the first place? Perhaps they should just have an operating budget to serve their districts or something of that nature.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 12:05 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 00:05:48 -0500

Is this the Monday Funny SGT Private RallyPoint Member?

They need to all be realigned.

Response by SSG Leonard J W. made Feb 10 at 2015 12:11 AM

SSG Leonard J W. — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 00:11:21 -0500

They don't even pay taxes...

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 12:39 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 00:39:24 -0500

Dear RP family: I'm so happy that for once we have an unanimous opnion

Response by MIDN 2/C Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 1:32 AM

MIDN 2/C Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 01:32:33 -0500

When they do more productive things, then they can get a raise.

Response by COL Ted Mc made Feb 10 at 2015 4:13 AM

COL Ted Mc — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 04:13:43 -0500

I think that the Senators and Representatives should have their salaries tied to the average (Purchasing Power Parity) annual income.

If I was going to be REALLY hard on them, I'd then adjust that by the percentage that the government's income was of the government's expenditures.

Oh yes, and I'd actually audit their expense accounts.

AND, I'd make sure that they reported all "perks" and "outside funded" benefits.

Of course that would mean that you couldn't get anyone to run for national office except for the people who didn't care if they got rich out of it and only wanted to do the best they could for the whole country - but you can't have everything, can you?

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Feb 10 at 2015 10:29 AM

SGM Erik Marquez — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 10:29:37 -0500

No, fired yes, raise no.
Compensation is (should be) based on task accomplishment.

Show me a balanced budget that supports the needs of americans not the want of politicians and I'll call it job done and offer my support of a raise.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 10 at 2015 11:11 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 10 Feb 2015 11:11:31 -0500

The survey results show 4% said yes to a raise.

I just wonder if any one selected YES ny mistake

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2015 12:58 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 12:58:55 -0500

I think they should be paid the median income of the country so they understand what they vote on and how it affects real people. And How is it they only need to "serve" 5 years and get a retirement and we have to serve 20?

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2015 7:32 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 19:32:27 -0500

Raise.....for what! Country is in deepest debt in history; Unemplyment is high; Vets are homeless; VA medical service is high risk; Individual median income is down over the past 6 yrs; Russia is showing it's ass; we're giving arms to terrorists; We're back in Iraq; The border is still unsecure; illegal aliens get better treatment from Gov't then Veterans. Congress want to cut military retirement; they claim triple dippers are to big a burden on the gov't buget, ..do I need to go on?

Yet some how, people keep voting the same people into office year after year. WTH have they done to deserve a damn raise!

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 11 at 2015 7:56 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 19:56:36 -0500

Not just no, but HELL NO. They should not be able to vote their own raises, they should have to enroll in Obamacare, they should have the same retirement that our Military members have, the same travel. Military is basically a government job and the same should hold true for members of Congress and Senate. Also, kick the lobbyist of Capital Hill!

Response by TSgt James Reynal made Feb 11 at 2015 8:57 PM

TSgt James Reynal — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 20:57:58 -0500

Congress may deserve a raise, but others deserve a larger raise much more. Until congress takes care of their constituents first, they don't deserve any raise, as they haven't done their job.

Response by CPT Jacob Swartout made Feb 11 at 2015 9:14 PM

CPT Jacob Swartout — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 21:14:52 -0500

Congress does not need a raise. Give it to the enlisted service members that fight the wars through blood, sweat, and tears.

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Feb 11 at 2015 9:49 PM

SGM Mikel Dawson — Wed, 11 Feb 2015 21:49:42 -0500

Each one of them needs a raise - a raise with a number 10 boot up the A$$! For lack of concern for the American people and not doing their jobs!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2015 3:08 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 03:08:55 -0500

Until term limits, a constitutional amendment on a balanced budget, and a plethora of other things are passed my answer will continue to be a resounding NO.

Response by SGT Mark Sullivan made Feb 12 at 2015 8:31 AM

SGT Mark Sullivan — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 08:31:29 -0500

Absolutely not, they do not deserve a pay raise, they have done nothing for "We the People" except rob us blind. Let them get their money from their corporate sponsors.

Response by SMSgt Bryan Raines made Feb 12 at 2015 8:46 AM

SMSgt Bryan Raines — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 08:46:15 -0500

When the founders established our government the role of a congressman was to get there, do what needed to be done and get back home to their main income producing job. We need to get back to that way of thinking in our government.

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2015 9:09 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 09:09:54 -0500

everyone that has been in more than 2 terms needs to go

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 12 at 2015 9:14 AM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Feb 2015 09:14:44 -0500

its 2015 there is no reason for them to schlep all the way to dc to vote. they should stay in their districts...and how about going to the constitutional requirement, I think it was 1 rep per 30,000. yeah I know that would be a crap ton of representatives and would be damn near impossible to house them all in congress. but as i said before they stay in their district and do this congress stuff parttime, get paid very little for it.OH i got a vote hold on second, pulls out his cellphone and votes.

Response by COL Quentin C. made Feb 18 at 2015 10:47 PM

COL Quentin C. — Wed, 18 Feb 2015 22:47:51 -0500

Hell no, their pay should be cut! They want to take away from the troops, the people of this nation but want to keep their current benefits in tact! It is time they face the facts, they are over paid. Balance the budget, get the countries debt in check, quit giving money out like it is free.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Feb 21 at 2015 9:24 AM

Capt Richard I P. — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 09:24:42 -0500

From a systemic point of view, politicians getting low pay leads to corruption. Just like soldiers or police getting low pay. If someone has power, it is in the interest of the people that they not be tempted to sell or lease that power.

Response by SFC Collin McMillion made Feb 21 at 2015 10:34 AM

SFC Collin McMillion — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 10:34:40 -0500

Only if they share it with us.

Response by SGT Karen Scott made Feb 21 at 2015 12:40 PM

SGT Karen Scott — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 12:40:34 -0500

They did not take rape serious for 30 years in our Military rape has been going on in our Military thousand of women's lives have been destroyed. There has not bee a safe way to report crime, rape & violent attacks without those that are corrupt orchestrating harm, retaliating and ganging up on you. We cannot get legal help in a timely manner unless it is too late, cannot get police help until it is too late, when we file complaints in hospitals they are covered up, we cannot get medical it is being denied, blocked, delayed and or malpractice. We try to be able to see our representatives, but in the past we have been ignored. Those that violently attacked me left me with injuries do not have a way to sue for damages. Congress many of them only pretends that they are listening then comes along another congress person that destroys any good, filibuster what needs to be done and allows those to abuse their power to hurt, kill and destroy lives, instead of helping the person. Listening to gossip, paying others mst person to attack a mst person shows the corruptions. In our lives they work above and beyond to keep disabled persons from getting help they try to hurt and take away. They have been too busy arresting Americans that make money and put them in jail, they suppress people to keep them down, but when we need help most of the time it is not there or it is too late. I should have options and a right to get help from an attorney to sue to for the life long debilitating conditions and pay for treatment. Yes there are some good people that serves Americans, but too much corruption that is causing great harm!!! You cannot get help if the group is corrupt and only pretending to help.

Response by PO1 Joan (Tipka) (Plummer) Fisher made Feb 21 at 2015 5:30 PM

PO1 Joan (Tipka) (Plummer) Fisher — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 17:30:21 -0500

Bahahahahaha

Response by SPC David Hannaman made Feb 21 at 2015 6:42 PM

SPC David Hannaman — Sat, 21 Feb 2015 18:42:30 -0500

It is my humble opinion that Congress' salaries and expenses should be paid directly by their constituents. If the people who vote them into office are dissatisfied with the service they are getting at the price they are paying I would hope that they would be intelligent to vote them out of office.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Aug 31 at 2015 2:13 PM

Maj Chris Nelson — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 14:13:33 -0400

Not only do they NOT deserve a raise, they also need to have their benefits package modified....they need to pay into social security, no special retirement plans (unless they are putting in their own income), get the same medical coverage that they want everyone else to be on, they need term limits, They only receive pay while they are at work.....I think this would be a fair start.....

Response by SGT David T. made Aug 31 at 2015 3:24 PM

SGT David T. — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 15:24:15 -0400

I'll vote yes conditionally, if and only if they vote a raise for all government employees military a civilian by the same numerical dollar amount as they vote for themselves. If that condition is not met then my vote is no.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2015 4:11 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 16:11:25 -0400

Ummm...no

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2015 5:41 PM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 17:41:36 -0400

Is that a rhetorical question or what?

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2015 5:53 PM

CW2 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 17:53:19 -0400

Oh Naw , Hell Naw!!!!!!!

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Aug 31 at 2015 6:17 PM

SGT Jerrold Pesz — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 18:17:56 -0400

Actually most of them should be locked up in GITMO. Congress is a den of thieves, con artists and traitors. If you are looking for scum, trash and garbage that is where to find it.

Response by Sgt David G Duchesneau made Aug 31 at 2015 6:31 PM

Sgt David G Duchesneau — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 18:31:17 -0400

Do they need a RAISE? Hell, they don't deserve what the hell they are paid now. And the benefits they get are damn right ridiculous . The only raise they need is a good helping hand to stand on their feet and escorted out of Town. Bastards!

Response by SPC Nick Lai made Aug 31 at 2015 6:35 PM

SPC Nick Lai — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 18:35:25 -0400

The service men and women should be the one to get raise.

Response by Sgt Kelli Mays made Aug 31 at 2015 7:59 PM

Sgt Kelli Mays — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 19:59:35 -0400

Not just NO, but HELL NO!

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2015 8:14 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 20:14:06 -0400

No, absolutely not.

Response by SSgt Terry P. made Aug 31 at 2015 8:30 PM

SSgt Terry P. — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 20:30:46 -0400

Does it matter if they deserve it or not? They vote their own pay raise anonymously.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 31 at 2015 9:19 PM

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 21:19:56 -0400

Absolutely not

Response by A1C Charles D Wilson made Aug 31 at 2015 11:33 PM

A1C Charles D Wilson — Mon, 31 Aug 2015 23:33:36 -0400

No. If congress wants to help fuel America back to the top... they need to live like middle and lower class Americans do with no more than $30-50,000 a year. Then they will understand the struggles of the real Americans who work and fight for every dime. After my service I worked and never made the half of what they get in 5 years. I am not a money hungry person and never wanted for what I did not need. If In needed it I went out and worked for the extra to get it. Blah 30+ years of work and never even made $500,000 total and did not need it. I can say they need to get in touch in a hurry.

Chuck D
Happy poor man :) Loving life.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2015 11:44 AM

MSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 11:44:13 -0400

With an approval rating of about 15% and most of them only looking out for themselves I don't think any of them deserve a raise. A pay cut would be more like it. Base their pay on the amount of work they get done and we might see an improvement in leadership on the hill.

Response by LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow made Sep 2 at 2015 4:10 PM

LCDR Rabbah Rona Matlow — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 16:10:48 -0400

Those who survive next year need a cut of at least 25%, and need the same healthcare as Veterans get. If they had to use the VA, you can bet the problems would be fixed most quickly...

Response by SSG Ricardo Marcial made Sep 2 at 2015 5:17 PM

SSG Ricardo Marcial — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 17:17:05 -0400

Someone tell me that the LT did not sponsor this bill. Please tell it was not him.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 2 at 2015 5:18 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 17:18:44 -0400

Most are millionaires anyways! NO WAY!

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2015 5:34 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 17:34:19 -0400

Not only no, but they need to have term limits like the President!

Response by SSG John Erny made Sep 4 at 2015 5:36 PM

SSG John Erny — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 17:36:34 -0400

The public should get to vote to give the person they elect a raise for the district they are from. It should be no more than the lowest COLA given to any government branch averaged over the election cycle, 4 years for example.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 4 at 2015 5:36 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 04 Sep 2015 17:36:46 -0400

I'm not comfortable with saying we deserve more. At the least we deserve a pay raise that keeps up with inflation.

Response by PO1 Glenn Boucher made Apr 6 at 2016 12:23 PM

PO1 Glenn Boucher — Wed, 06 Apr 2016 12:23:38 -0400

No, they do not deserve a pay raise, they cannot even do their jobs properly.
Our politicians can't do simple tasks like balancing the budget, and fixing immigration just as examples.
They need to take a huge pay cut and earn their pay raises.