Congressmen have surreptitiously inserted two self-serving provisions into their latest continuing resolution (CR): a pay raise for themselves and an opt-out from the Affordable Care Act, commonly known as Obamacare. Congress had actively blocked cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) for its members since 2009, embedding prohibitive language in spending bills while allowing other federal employees to receive such increases. However, in a sly maneuver, lawmakers have now included a provision on page 15 of the new CR that effectively reverses this longstanding policy.
For years, many in Congress have advocated for salary increases, claiming that the salary freeze has deterred people from entering politics. In 2022, Congress introduced a program allowing members to receive reimbursements for lodging and meal expenses in Washington, D.C., yet this has not been enough for some. The current annual salary for members stands at $174,000. A Congressional Research Service report suggests that if lawmakers had received raises annually, their 2024 salary would be $243,300.
In addition, the CR includes a provision allowing members of Congress to sidestep Obamacare and revert to the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). This move contradicts the original intent of the Affordable Care Act, which mandated that lawmakers and certain officials utilize the same health exchanges as the general public.
This particular exemption was not present in earlier drafts of the CR’s health title, surprising even some key Democrats upon its late revelation in the final text released Tuesday evening.
The post Congress Sneaks Pay Hike and Obamacare Opt-Out for Members Into Mammoth Spending Bill. appeared first on The National Pulse.
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