User:Dangdiggity/Salaries of members of the United States Congress

Debates over congressional salaries

Starting in the 19th century, there has been debate around raising congressional salaries. When Congress members raise the topic of congressional salary increases, this is generally frowned upon by the public and seen as a form of corruption . At the same time, arguments have been made that an increased salary for members of congress would accomplish: a) Making the position more accessible, especially for people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds; b) Making congress members more impervious to corruption, as a higher income would diminish the effectiveness of bribes from lobbyists and PACS. Other approaches suggested include: banning Congress members from becoming lobbyists after their terms are over, and making the finances of those in public office completely transparent . Many members of Congress continue to advocate for a salary raise as a simple, but effective solution. Notably, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called for this reform in 2021, and salary raises have been a part of Rep. Ro Khanna's plan for anti-corruption congressional reform .