A proposed Continuing Resolution (CR) to fund the federal government through March is drawing backlash over provisions that would grant pay raises and enhanced health care benefits to members of Congress.
Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) announced his opposition to the bill on Wednesday, calling the perks inappropriate and out of touch with the needs of average Americans.
The CR, released by Republican leadership late Monday, omits language that traditionally freezes cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for members of Congress, paving the way for a 3.8% pay raise in 2025. Members currently earn $174,000 annually. If passed, the adjustment would increase congressional salaries by $6,600.
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Additionally, the CR includes a provision allowing members of Congress to enroll in the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program (FEHBP), which would reduce their out-of-pocket health care costs. Currently, members are required to purchase insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchanges, which often come with higher expenses. Critics argue the change would shift more health care costs onto taxpayers.
Golden denounced the provisions, stating, “Congress should be working to raise Americans’ wages and lower their health care costs, not sneaking new member perks into must-pass legislation behind closed doors. If members can’t get by on our already generous salaries and benefits, they should find another line of work.”
Golden has a history of opposing congressional pay raises, having led bipartisan efforts to block such increases in prior spending bills. He reiterated his stance, saying he would vote against the CR as long as these provisions remain included.
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The spending bill is critical to avoiding a government shutdown, and Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) faces significant challenges in securing enough votes from his own party. With some Republicans also voicing concerns over the inclusion of these provisions, Johnson may need Democratic support to pass the measure.
“This is not the kind of leadership Americans expect,” Golden said. “It’s tone-deaf to propose raises for members of Congress while so many families are struggling to make ends meet.”
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