From The Office Of Utah Congressman Jim Matheson

MATHESON NEWS
Second Congressional District

For Further Information
Alyson Heyrend: (801) 455-5593 (cell)
www.house.gov/matheson

September 14, 2004
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Matheson Repeats Annual Fight Against Congressional Pay Raise

Washington, D.C.- Congressman Jim Matheson took to the House floor today, the only Representative to speak in opposition to the FY '05 Member pay raise. Matheson urged his colleagues to reject a procedural move that would have granted the pay raise via HR 5025-Transportation, Treasury and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act. The increase amounts to 2.5% or $4,000.

The only opportunity for Congress to have an up or down vote on the raise is through a procedural vote. Matheson said Members must vote "no" on the Previous Question. If the Previous Question is defeated, Matheson said he would offer an amendment to the rule. His amendment would block the FY '05 automatic cost-of-living pay raise for Members of Congress.

"Now is not the time for Members of Congress to be voting themselves a pay raise," said Matheson. "Let us send a signal to the American people that Congress gets it. We face numerous spending priorities. None of them include raising salaries for Members of Congress."

Matheson said that in the event his efforts fail, he will once again be donating his pay raise to local Utah charities.

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Alyson Heyrend
Communications Director
240 East Morris Ave. #235
South Salt Lake, UT 84115
(801) 486-1236 (phone)
(801) 455-5593 (cell)
(801) 486-1417 (fax)