Wednesday, September 17, 2003
Last Sunday, President Bush mentioned the need for sacrifice as part of the war on terrorism, without being specific about who should sacrifice what.
Let Congress set the example. Just days before the president's speech, members of the House of Representatives voted to give themselves a 2.2 percent pay raise, which would increase congressional pay from $154,700 a year to $158,000. In addition to their handsome salaries, senators and representatives enjoy one of the most generous benefit and pension plans to be found outside the board rooms of the most extravagant of corporations.
The Senate should reject the pay raise. If it doesn't, President Bush should do his duty and veto it.
In this time of an uncertain economy, record job losses, war in Iraq and an enormous budget deficit, our nation's leaders must set an example. If members of Congress won't tighten their belts, who in the federal government will? The only ones who will be sacrificing will be Joe and Jane Taxpayer.