Bush to Back Congressional Pay Raises

WASHINGTON — The White House said Friday that President Bush will support a new attempt on Capitol Hill to get a pay raise for members of Congress, federal officials and judges.

“We’re just waiting for them to give us a package,” press secretary Marlin Fitzwater said. “We’ll be supportive if the Congress produces any reasonable proposal.”

Fitzwater said Bush would like to see any pay raise tied to a package of ethical standards that would prohibit lawmakers from accepting honorariums--fees for speeches, public appearances and writing.

House Speaker Thomas S. Foley (D-Wash.) and Minority Leader Robert H. Michel (R-Ill.) met with Bush last week to discuss pay raises, Fitzwater said.

Foley and Michel both back a pay-raise proposal, made by a bipartisan task force, that would phase in a 35% salary boost over two years, according to congressional aides. The plan also would include changes in Congress’ ethics rules, including new restrictions on members’ speaking honorariums.

A Democratic leadership aide said Friday that “no final decision has been made” on moving a pay raise this year, but the meeting with Bush was sought because “presidential support would be essential” if lawmakers go ahead with a salary plan.