Bush to Back Congressional Pay Raises
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.
Get the L.A. Times Politics newsletter
Deeply reported insights into legislation, politics and policy from Sacramento, Washington and beyond. In your inbox three times per week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
