Rep Ben McAdams explains opposition to congressional pay raise bill
Jun 11, 2019, 7:18 AM
Rep. Ben McAdams was concerned about a rule that could've delayed stimulus checks for seniors. (FILE PHOTO)
(FILE PHOTO)
WASHINGTON DC — A Utah Congressman has helped convince House Democrats to pull a bill that would’ve raised their pay.
Utah 4th Congressional District Representative Ben McAdams (D-UT) was one of a few Democrats who introduced amendments against the salary increase that would have raised congressional pay by $4,500.
“To some extent, salary has to be linked to performance. I don’t support this increase,” said McAdams. “With all of the problems that have to be fixed in Washington, maybe you get to the cost of living increase at some point, but right now, I don’t think we are doing our job.”
The Hill and Politico point out that other Democrats who also did not support the pay raise are also in competitive districts.
Listen to the full interview on Utah’s Morning News below.
McAdams said he makes $174,000 a year, and he and his wife and four children make it work in Utah and in DC.
“We don’t live in luxury,” he said, explaining that he has a 450 square foot apartment that’s “basically a box with a kitchenette.”
He also tweeted about his opposition to the pay raise.
I strongly oppose a pay raise for Congress. Read my my news release👇#utpol pic.twitter.com/DLGu3eX5rq
— Rep. Ben McAdams (@RepBenMcAdams) June 10, 2019
