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Congressman Paul Tonko continued to champion fiscal responsibility and discipline by voting for H.R. 5146, the bipartisan bill to stop automatic pay increases for Members of Congress in FY 2011.  This is another step Congressman Tonko has taken to lead America in a new direction by working to build a strong foundation for our economy.  Last year Congressman Tonko voted for H.R. 156 in the House, which ultimately blocked last year's FY 2010 pay raise.

“In these challenging times, with unemployment still high and the economy recovering from the failed policies of the Bush administration, families in my district are being forced to make hard decisions and cut spending to make ends meet,” said Congressman Tonko.  “Washington should do the same.  That’s why I voted today to block a pay raise for Members of Congress. Our focus must be on getting people back to work, strengthening our economy, and reducing the deficit.”

In 1989, Congress approved a process that provides lawmakers with an automatic pay raise unless they specifically vote to reject the raise.  Last year, Congressman Tonko was successful in blocking the FY 2010 pay raise after voting for similar legislation, H.R. 156, which also garnered bipartisan support.

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