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• Salaries of Members of Congress: Congressional Votes, 1990-2020 [Updated January 26, 2021]

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  From the Summary: "Article I, Section 6, of the U.S. Constitution requires that compensation for Members of Congress be 'ascertained by law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States.' Congress has relied on three different methods in adjusting salaries for Members. Specific legislation was last used to provide increases in 1990 and 1991. It was the only method used by Congress for many years. The second method, under which annual adjustments took effect automatically unless disapproved by Congress, was established in 1975. From 1975 to 1989, these annual adjustments were based on the rate of annual comparability increases given to the General Schedule (GS) federal employees. This method was changed by the 1989 Ethics Act to require that the annual adjustment be determined by a formula based on certain elements of the Employment Cost Index (ECI). [...] This report contains information on actions taken affecting each pay year since the establishment of the Ethics Reform Act adjustment procedure. It also provides information on other floor action related to pay for Members of Congress. [...] Members of Congress only receive salaries during the terms for which they are elected. Former Members of Congress may be eligible for retirement benefits."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Brudnick, Ida A.

  2021-01-26
• Salaries of Members of Congress: Congressional Votes, 1990-2020 [Updated August 18, 2020]

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  From the Introduction: "The automatic annual adjustment for Members of Congress is determined by a formula using a component of the Employment Cost Index (ECI), which measures rate of change in private sector pay. The adjustment automatically takes effect unless (1) Congress statutorily prohibits the adjustment; (2) Congress statutorily revises the adjustment; or (3) the annual base pay adjustment of General Schedule (GS) federal employees is established at a rate less than the scheduled increase for Members, in which case the percentage adjustment for Member pay is automatically lowered to match the percentage adjustment in GS base pay. Under the ECI formula, Members may not receive an annual pay adjustment greater than 5%. In the past, Member pay has been frozen statutorily in two ways: (1) directly, through legislation that freezes salaries for Members but not other federal employees, and (2) indirectly, through broader pay freeze legislation that covers Members and other specified categories of federal employees. This adjustment formula was established by the Ethics Reform Act of 1989. Votes potentially related to the annual adjustments since the implementation of this act are contained in this report."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Brudnick, Ida A.

  2020-08-18
• Salaries of Members of Congress: Congressional Votes, 1990-2019 [Updated January 13, 2020]

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  From the Introduction: "The automatic annual adjustment for Members of Congress is determined by a formula using a component of the Employment Cost Index (ECI), which measures rate of change in private sector pay. The adjustment automatically takes effect unless (1) Congress statutorily prohibits the adjustment; (2) Congress statutorily revises the adjustment; or (3) the annual base pay adjustment of General Schedule (GS) federal employees is established at a rate less than the scheduled increase for Members, in which case the percentage adjustment for Member pay is automatically lowered to match the percentage adjustment in GS base pay. Under the ECI formula, Members may not receive an annual pay adjustment greater than 5%."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Brudnick, Ida A.

  2020-01-13
• Salaries of Members of Congress: Congressional Votes, 1990-2018 [April 11, 2018]

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  "The automatic annual adjustment for Members of Congress is determined by a formula using a component of the Employment Cost Index (ECI), which measures rate of change in private sector pay. The adjustment automatically takes effect unless (1) Congress statutorily prohibits the adjustment; (2) Congress statutorily revises the adjustment; or (3) the annual base pay adjustment of General Schedule (GS) federal employees is established at a rate less than the scheduled increase for Members, in which case the percentage adjustment for Member pay is automatically lowered to match the percentage adjustment in GS base pay.2 Under the ECI formula, Members may not receive an annual pay adjustment greater than 5%. In the past, Member pay has been frozen statutorily in two ways: (1) directly, trough legislation that freezes salaries for Members but not other federal employees, and (2) indirectly, through broader pay freeze legislation that covers Members and other specified categories of federal employees. This adjustment formula was established by the Ethics Reform Act of 1989. Votes potentially related to the annual adjustments since the implementation of this act are contained in this report."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Brudnick, Ida A.

  2018-04-11
• Salaries of Members of Congress: Congressional Votes, 1990-2016 [June 21, 2016]

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  "Article I, Section 6, of the U.S. Constitution requires that compensation for Members of Congress be 'ascertained by law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States.' Congress has relied on three different methods in adjusting salaries for Members. Specific legislation was last used to provide increases in 1990 and 1991. It was the only method used by Congress for many years. The second method, under which annual adjustments took effect automatically unless disapproved by Congress, was established in 1975. From 1975 to 1989, these annual adjustments were based on the rate of annual comparability increases given to the General Schedule (GS) federal employees. This method was changed by the 1989 Ethics Act to require that the annual adjustment be determined by a formula based on certain elements of the Employment Cost Index (ECI). Under this revised process, annual adjustments were accepted 13 times (scheduled for January 1991, 1992, 1993, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2009) and denied 13 times (scheduled for January 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016). […] This report contains information on actions taken affecting each pay year since the establishment of the Ethics Reform Act adjustment procedure. It also provides information on other floor action related to pay for Members of Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Brudnick, Ida A.

  2016-06-21
• Salaries of Members of Congress: Congressional Votes, 1990-2015 [December 23, 2015]

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  "The U.S. Constitution, in Article I, Section 6, authorizes compensation for Members of Congress 'ascertained by law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States.' Throughout American history, Congress has relied on three different methods in adjusting salaries for Members. Specific legislation was last used to provide increases in 1990 and 1991. It was the only method used by Congress for many years. The second method, under which annual adjustments took effect automatically unless disapproved by Congress, was established in 1975. From 1975 to 1989, these annual adjustments were based on the rate of annual comparability increases given to the General Schedule (GS) federal employees. This method was changed by the 1989 Ethics Act to require that the annual adjustment be determined by a formula based on certain elements of the Employment Cost Index (ECI). Under this revised process, annual adjustments were accepted 13 times (scheduled for January 1991, 1992, 1993, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2009) and denied 12 times (scheduled for January 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016). Since January 2009, the salary for Members of Congress has been $174,000. Subsequent adjustments were denied by P.L. 111-8 (enacted March 11, 2009), P.L. 111-165 (May 14, 2010), P.L. 111-322 (December 22, 2010), P.L. 112-175 (September 28, 2012), P.L. 112-240 (January 2, 2013), P.L. 113-46 (October 17, 2013), P.L. 113-235 (December 16, 2014), and P.L. 114-113 (December 18, 2015). A third method for adjusting Member pay is congressional action pursuant to recommendations from the President, based on the recommendations of the Citizens' Commission on Public Service and Compensation established in the 1989 Ethics Reform Act. Although the Citizens' Commission was to have convened in 1993, it did not and has not met since then."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Brudnick, Ida A.

  2015-12-23
• Salaries of Members of Congress: Congressional Votes, 1990-2015 [June 8, 2015]

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  "The U.S. Constitution, in Article I, Section 6, authorizes compensation for Members of Congress 'ascertained by law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States.' Throughout American history, Congress has relied on three different methods in adjusting salaries for Members. Specific legislation was last used to provide increases in 1990 and 1991. It was the only method used by Congress for many years. The second method, under which annual adjustments took effect automatically unless disapproved by Congress, was established in 1975. From 1975 to 1989, these annual adjustments were based on the rate of annual comparability increases given to the General Schedule federal employees. […]A third method for adjusting Member pay is congressional action pursuant to recommendations from the President, based on the recommendations of the Citizens' Commission on Public Service and Compensation established in the 1989 Ethics Reform Act. Although the Citizens' Commission was to have convened in 1993, it did not and has not met since then. In recent Congresses, bills have been introduced to alter the adjustment procedure, reduce the pay of Members of Congress, extend the current pay freeze, prohibit pay during a government shutdown, and apply any sequester to Member pay. This report contains information on actions taken affecting each pay year since the establishment of the Ethics Reform Act adjustment procedure. It also provides information on other floor action related to pay for Members of Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Brudnick, Ida A.

  2015-06-08
• Salaries of Members of Congress: Congressional Votes, 1990-2014 [October 27, 2014]

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  "The U.S. Constitution, in Article I, Section 6, authorizes compensation for Members of Congress 'ascertained by law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States.' Throughout American history, Congress has relied on three different methods in adjusting salaries for Members. Specific legislation was last used to provide increases in 1990 and 1991. It was the only method used by Congress for many years. The second method, under which annual adjustments took effect automatically unless disapproved by Congress, was established in 1975. From 1975 to 1989, these annual adjustments were based on the rate of annual comparability increases given to the General Schedule federal employees. This method was changed by the 1989 Ethics Act to require that the annual adjustment be determined by a formula based on certain elements of the Employment Cost Index (ECI). Under this revised process, annual adjustments were accepted 13 times […]. A third method for adjusting Member pay is congressional action pursuant to recommendations from the President, based on the recommendations of the Citizens' Commission on Public Service and Compensation established in the 1989 Ethics Reform Act. Although the Citizens' Commission should have convened in 1993, it did not and has not met since then."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Brudnick, Ida A.

  2014-10-27
• Salaries of Members of Congress: Congressional Votes, 1990-2013 [February 3, 2014]

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  "The U.S. Constitution, in Article I, Section 6, authorizes compensation for Members of Congress 'ascertained by law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States.' Throughout American history, Congress has relied on three different methods in adjusting salaries for Members. Specific legislation was last used to provide increases in 1990 and 1991. It was the only method used by Congress for many years. The second method, under which annual adjustments took effect automatically unless disapproved by Congress, was established in 1975. From 1975 to 1989, these annual adjustments were based on the rate of annual comparability increases given to the General Schedule federal employees. This method was changed by the 1989 Ethics Act to require that the annual adjustment be determined by a formula based on certain elements of the Employment Cost Index (ECI). Under this revised process, annual adjustments were accepted 13 times (scheduled for January 1991, 1992, 1993, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2009) and denied eleven times (scheduled for January 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014). In the 113th Congress, bills have been introduced to alter the adjustment procedure, reduce the pay of Members of Congress, extend the current pay freeze, prohibit pay during a government shutdown, and apply any sequester to Member pay. Since January, 2009, the salary for Members of Congress has been $174,000. Subsequent adjustments were denied by P.L. 111-8 (enacted March 11, 2009), P.L. 111-165 (May 14, 2010), P.L. 111-322 (December 22, 2010), P.L. 112-175 (September 28, 2012), P.L. 112-240 (January 2, 2013), and P.L. 113-46 (October 17, 2013)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Brudnick, Ida A.

  2014-02-03
• Salaries of Members of Congress: Congressional Votes, 1990-2013 [November 4, 2013]

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  "The U.S. Constitution, in Article I, Section 6, authorizes compensation for Members of Congress 'ascertained by law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States.' Throughout American history, Congress has relied on three different methods in adjusting salaries for Members. Specific legislation was last used to provide increases in 1990 and 1991. It was the only method used by Congress for many years. […] Since January, 2009, the salary for Members of Congress has been $174,000. Subsequent adjustments were denied by P.L. 111-8 (enacted March 11, 2009), P.L. 111-165 (May 14, 2010), P.L. 111-322 (December 22, 2010), P.L. 112-175 (September 28, 2012), P.L. 112-240 (January 2, 2013), and P.L. 113-46 (October 17, 2013). […] Members of Congress only receive salaries during the terms for which they are elected. Former Members of Congress may be eligible for retirement benefits."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Brudnick, Ida A.

  2013-11-04
• Salaries of Members of Congress: Congressional Votes, 1990-2013 [June 20, 2013]

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  "The automatic annual adjustment for Members of Congress is determined by a formula using a component of the Employment Cost Index (ECI), which measures rate of change in private sector pay. The adjustment automatically takes effect unless (1) Congress statutorily prohibits the adjustment; (2) Congress statutorily revises the adjustment; or (3) the annual base pay adjustment of General Schedule (GS) federal employees is established at a rate less than the scheduled increase for Members, in which case the percentage adjustment for Member pay is automatically lowered to match the percentage adjustment in GS base pay. Members may not receive an annual pay adjustment greater than 5%. This adjustment formula was established by the Ethics Reform Act of 1989. Votes on the annual adjustments since the implementation of this act are contained in this report."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Brudnick, Ida A.

  2013-06-20
• Salaries of Members of Congress: Congressional Votes, 1990-2011 [January 4, 2012]

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  "The automatic annual adjustment for Members of Congress is determined by a formula using a component of the Employment Cost Index (ECI), which measures rate of change in private sector pay. The adjustment automatically takes effect unless (1) Congress statutorily prohibits the adjustment; (2) Congress statutorily revises the adjustment; or (3) the annual base pay adjustment of General Schedule (GS) federal employees is established at a rate less than the scheduled increase for Members, in which case the percentage adjustment for Member pay is automatically lowered to match the percentage adjustment in GS base pay. Members may not receive an annual pay adjustment greater than 5%. This adjustment formula was established by the Ethics Reform Act of 1989. Votes on the annual adjustments since the implementation of this act are contained in this report."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Brudnick, Ida A.

  2012-01-04