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Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent
Recent Actions and Historical Tables
Ida A. Brudnick
Analyst on the Congress
January 12, 2010February 9, 2011
Congressional Research Service
7-5700
www.crs.gov
97-1011
CRS Report for Congress
Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress
c11173008
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Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and Historical Tables
Summary
Congress is required by Article I, Section 6, of the Constitution to determine its own pay. Prior to
1969, Congress did so by enacting stand-alone legislation. From 1789 through 1968, Congress
raised its pay 22 times using this procedure. Members were initially paid per diem. The first
annual salaries, in 1815, were $1,500. Per diem pay was reinstituted in 1817. Congress returned
to annual salaries, at a rate of $3,000, in 1855. By 1968, pay had risen to $30,000. Stand-alone
legislation may still be used to raise Member pay, as it was most recently in 1982, 1983, 1989,
and 1991; but two other methods—including an automatic annual adjustment procedure and a
commission process—are now also available.
The Ethics Reform Act of 1989 established the current formula for automatic annual adjustments,
which is based on changes in private sector wages and salaries as measured by the Employment
Cost Index. The adjustment goes into effect automatically unless denied statutorily by Congress,
although the percentage may not exceed the percentage base pay increase for General Schedule
employees.
Under this formula, Members were originally scheduled to receive a pay adjustment in January
2010 of 2.1%. A provision in the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act, however, prohibited the
pay adjustment for 2010. Member pay in 2010 remains $174,000, the same salary as 2009.
Members previously received a 2.8% adjustment in January 2009, increasing their salary from
$169,300. In 2008, Members originally were scheduled to receive a 2.7% pay adjustment. The
adjustment was revised downward to 2.5% to match the percent increase in the base pay of
General Schedule (GS) employees. By law, the percent adjustment in Member pay may not
exceed the percent adjustment in the base pay of GS employees. Congress previously voted to
deny the 0.9% pay adjustment in
2011. This adjustment would have equaled a $1,600 increase, resulting in a salary of $175,600.
The pay adjustment was prohibited by P.L. 111-165 (H.R. 5146), which was enacted on May 14,
2010. Other legislation preventing the scheduled 2011 Member pay adjustment was also
introduced during the 111th Congress (H.R. 4255, H.R. 4423, S. 3074, S. 3198, and S. 3244).
Additionally, P.L. 111-322, which was enacted on December 22, 2010, prevented any adjustment
in GS base pay before December 31, 2012. Since the percent adjustment in Member pay may not
exceed the percent adjustment in the base pay of GS employees, Member pay is also frozen
during this period. Pay for Members of Congress in 2011 and 2012 will remain at the 2009 and
2010 level of $174,000.
Previously, a provision in the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act prohibited any pay
adjustment for 2010. Members were originally scheduled to receive a pay adjustment in January
2010 of 2.1%, although this would have been revised automatically to 1.5% to match the GS base
pay adjustment. Members last received a pay adjustment in January 2009, increasing their salary
to $174,00 from $169,300 (2.8%). In 2008, Members originally were scheduled to receive a 2.7%
pay adjustment. The adjustment was revised downward to 2.5% to match the percent increase in
the base pay of General Schedule (GS) employees. Congress previously voted to deny the
scheduled annual adjustment for 2007.
This report contains information on the pay procedure and recent adjustments. It also contains
historical information on the rate of pay for Members of Congress since 1789; the adjustments
projected by the Ethics Reform Act as compared to actual adjustments in Member pay; details on
past legislation enacted with language prohibiting the annual pay adjustment; and Member pay in
constant and current dollars since 1992. For additional information on actions taken in Congress
since the enactment of the Ethics Reform Act adjustment procedure, see CRS Report 97-615,
Salaries of Members of Congress: Congressional Votes, 1990-20092010, by Ida A. Brudnick.
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Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and Historical Tables
Contents
Background Methods for Member Pay Adjustment .........................................................................................1
Proposals in the 112th Congress ...................................................1
January 2011 Member Pay Projected Adjustment ..........................................2
January 2011 and January 2012 Member Pay Adjustments Denied ..............................................2
January 2010 Member Pay Adjustment Denied............................................................................23
January 2009 Member Pay Adjustment of 2.8% ..........................................................................23
Figures
Figure 1. Salary for Members of Congress: Current and Constant Dollars, 1992-20092010 .................8 10
Tables
Table 1. Salary Adjustments for Members of Congress Since 1789 ..............................................45
Table 2. Member Pay Projected vs. Actual Adjustments Since 1992.............................................68
Table 3. Legislative Vehicles Used for Previous Pay Prohibitions and, Enacted Dates ...................7,
and Pay Language....................................................................................................................8
Contacts
Author Contact Information ........................................................................................................8 10
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Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and Historical Tables
BackgroundMethods for Member Pay Adjustment
There are three basic ways to adjust Member pay.1 Stand-alone legislation has frequently and
primarily been used to raise Member pay throughout most of U.S. history, 1789 to the present.
However, two other methods are also available.
The second method by which Member pay can be increased is pursuant to recommendations from
the President, based on those made by a quadrennial salary commission. In 1967, Congress
established the Commission on Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Salaries to recommend salary
increases for top-level federal officials (P.L. 90-206). Three times (in 1969, 1977, and 1987)
Congress received pay increases made under this procedure; on three occasions it did not.
Effective with passage of the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 (P.L. 101-194), the commission ceased
to exist. Its authority was assumed by the Citizens’ Commission on Public Service and
Compensation. Although the first commission under the 1989 Act was to have convened in 1993,
it did not meet.
The third method by which the salary of Members can be changed is by annual adjustments. Prior
to 1990, the pay of Members, and other top-level federal officials, was tied to the annual
comparability increases provided to General Schedule (GS) federal employees. This procedure
was established in 1975 (P.L. 94-82). Such increases were recommended by the President, subject
to congressional acceptance, disapproval, or modification. Congress accepted five such increases
for itself—in 1975, 1979 (partial), 1984, 1985, and 1987—and declined 10 since this method was
authorized (1976, 1977, 1978,
1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1986, 1988, and 1989).
The Ethics Reform Act of 1989 changed the method by which the annual adjustment is
determined for Members and other senior officials. This procedure employs a formula based on
changes in private sector wages and salaries as measured by the Employment Cost Index (ECI).
Under this revised method, annual adjustments were accepted 13 times (those scheduled for
January 1991, 1992, 1993, 1998, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, and 2009) and
denied seven times (those scheduled for January 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2007, and 2010).2
Under a provision included in the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act, Members did not receive
a pay adjustment in 2010.
The annual adjustment automatically goes into effect unless:
1. Congress statutorily prohibits the adjustment;
2. Congress statutorily revises the adjustment; or
3. The annual base pay adjustment of GS employees is established at a rate less than
the scheduled adjustment for Members, in which case Members would be paid
the lower rate.3
1
This report was originally written by Paul E. Dwyer, formerly a Specialist in American National Government at CRS,
who has since retired.
2
For additional information on these annual adjustments, including actions to modify or deny the scheduled increases,
see CRS Report 97-615, Salaries of Members of Congress: Congressional Votes, 1990-20092010, by Ida A. Brudnick.
3
Base pay is the pay rate before locality pay is added. This limitation was included in P.L. 103-356, 108 Stat. 34103411, October 13, 1994; 2 U.S.C. 31(2)(B).
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Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and Historical Tables
January 2011 Member Pay Projected AdjustmentProposals in the 112th Congress
As in previous Congresses, bills have been introduced to
•
repeal the automatic pay adjustment provision (S. 133, S. 148, H.R. 235, H.R.
246, H.R. 343, H.R. 431);
•
change the procedure by which pay for Members of Congress is adjusted by
linking it to other action or economic indicators (H.R. 124, H.R. 172, H.R. 236);
and
•
reduce the pay of Members of Congress (H.R. 204, H.R. 270, H.R. 335).
January 2011 and January 2012 Member Pay
Adjustments Denied
As stated above, projected Member pay adjustments are calculated based on changes in the
Employment Cost Index (ECI). The projected 2011 adjustment for Member pay will be known
when the of 0.9% was known when the
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) releases ECI data for December 2009. According to
BLS, this information “is scheduled to be released on Friday, January 29, 2010, at 8:30 a.m.
(EST).”4
The actual Member pay adjustment may differ from the projection derived from the ECI formula
either due to limitations related to the base pay increase for General Schedule employees or
congressional action on Member pay. Member pay adjustments cannot exceed the percent
adjustment in GS base pay,5 and stand-alone legislation has been introduced to prevent the
scheduled 2011 pay adjustment.6released data for the ECI change during the 12-month period
from December 2008 to December 2009 on January 29, 2010.4 This adjustment would have
equaled a $1,600 increase, resulting in a salary of $175,600.
The 2011 pay adjustment was prohibited by the enactment of H.R. 5146 (P.L. 111-165) on May
14, 2010. H.R. 5146 was introduced in the House on April 27 and was agreed to the same day
(Roll no. 226). It was agreed to in the Senate the following day by unanimous consent. Other
legislation was also introduced to prevent the scheduled 2011 pay adjustment.5
Additionally, P.L. 111-322, which was enacted on December 22, 2010, prevents any adjustment in
GS base pay before December 31, 2012. Since the percent adjustment in Member pay may not
exceed the percent adjustment in the base pay of GS employees, Member pay is also frozen
during this period. If not limited by GS pay, Members could have received a salary adjustment of
1.3% in January 2012 under the ECI formula.6
Pay for Members of Congress in 2011 will remain at the 2009 and 2010 level of $174,000.
4
The annual Member pay adjustment was determined by a formula using the Employment Cost Index (private industry
wages and salaries, not seasonally adjusted), based on the percentage change reflected in the quarter ending December
31 for the two preceding years, minus 0.5%. The 0.9% adjustment was determined by taking the percentage increase in
the Index between the quarters ending December 2008 and December 2009, which was 1.4%, and subtracting 0.5%.
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Cost Index—December 2009 (Washington:
January 29, 2010), p. 2.
5
H.R. 4255, introduced December 9, 2009; H.R. 4423, introduced January 12, 2010; S. 3074, introduced March 4,
2010; S. 3198, introduced March 14, 2010; and S. 3244, introduced April 22, 2010.
6
The annual Member pay adjustment was determined by a formula using the Employment Cost Index (private industry
wages and salaries, not seasonally adjusted), based on the percentage change reflected in the quarter ending December
31 for the two preceding years, minus 0.5%. The 1.3% potential adjustment was determined by taking the percentage
increase in the Index between the quarters ending December 2009 and December 2010, which was 1.8%, and
subtracting 0.5%. U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Cost Index—December 2010
(Washington: January 28, 2011), p. 3.
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Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and Historical Tables
January 2010 Member Pay Adjustment Denied
Under the formula established in the Ethics Reform Act, Members were originally scheduled to
receive a pay adjustment in January 2010 of 2.1%.7 This adjustment was denied by Congress
through a provision included in the FY2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act. Section 103 of
Division J of the act states, “Notwithstanding any provision of section 601(a)(2) of the
Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 31(2)), the percentage adjustment scheduled to
take effect under any such provision in calendar year 2010 shall not take effect.”8
Had Congress not passed legislation prohibiting the Member pay adjustmentthis provision not been enacted, the 2.1% projected
adjustment would have been downwardly revised automatically
automatically reduced to 1.5% to match the 2010 GS
base pay adjustment.9
January 2009 Member Pay Adjustment of 2.8%
Under the formula established in the Ethics Reform Act, Members received a pay adjustment in
January 2009 of 2.8%,10 increasing salaries to $174,000.
4
Available at http://www.bls.gov/news.release/eci.nr0.htm.
2 U.S.C. 31(2)(B).
6
H.R. 4255, 111th Cong., introduced December 9, 2009; and, H.R. 4423, introduced January 12, 2010.
7
As noted above, Member pay adjustments may not exceed the annual base pay adjustment of GS
employees.11 The two pay adjustments may differ because they are based on changes in different
quarters of the Employment Cost Index (ECI) or due to actions of Congress and the President.
The 2.8% adjustment for Members, however, was less than the projected 2009 base GS
7
The annual Member pay adjustment was determined by a formula using the Employment Cost Index (private industry
wages and salaries, not seasonally adjusted), based on the percentage change reflected in the quarter ending December
31 for the two preceding years, minus 0.5%. The 2.1% adjustment was determined by taking the percentage increase in
the Index between the quarters ending December 2007 and December 2008, which was 2.6%, and subtracting 0.5%.
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Cost Index—December 2008 (Washington:
January 31, 2009), pp. 2, 17.
8
P.L. 111-8, March 11, 2009.
9
The 1.5% GS base adjustment was finalized by U.S. President (Obama), “Adjustments of Certain Rates of Pay,”
Executive Order 13525, Federal Register, vol. 74, December 23, 2009, pp. 69231- 69242.
10
The annual Member pay adjustment was determined by a formula using the Employment Cost Index (private
industry wages and salaries, not seasonally adjusted), based on the percentage change reflected in the quarter ending
(continued...)
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Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and Historical Tables
As noted above, Member pay adjustments may not exceed the annual base pay adjustment of GS
employees.11 The two pay adjustments may differ because they are based on changes in different
quarters of the Employment Cost Index (ECI) or due to actions of Congress and the President.
The 2.8% adjustment for Members, however, was less than the projected 2009 base GS
December 31 for the two preceding years, minus 0.5%. The 2.8% adjustment was determined by taking the percentage
increase in the Index between the quarters ending December 2006 and December 2007, which was 3.3%, and
subtracting 0.5%. U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Cost Index—December 2007
(Washington: January 31, 2008), pp. 2, 15.
11
2 U.S.C. 31(2)(B).
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Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and Historical Tables
adjustment of 2.9%.12 The GS rate became final on December 18, 2008, when President Bush
issued an Executive Order adjusting rates of pay.13
Table 1 provides a history of the salaries of Members of Congress from 1789 through 2009 in
current dollars. For each salary rate, both the effective date and the statutory authority are
provided. The salaries shown are the payable salaries, indicating the rate actually paid to
Members of Congress. From 1976 to 1983, the salary actually paid to Members was less than the
salary to which Members were entitled. The difference arose because Members were entitled to
salaries authorized pursuant to the annual pay comparability procedure (P.L. 94-82). However, on
several occasions Congress did not appropriate funds to pay any or a portion of the new salary
increases authorized by P.L. 94-82.
Table 2 provides information on pay adjustments for Members since 1992, which was the first
full year after the Ethics Reform Act that Representatives and Senators received the same salary.
The table provides the projected percentage changes under the formula based on the Employment
Cost Index and the actual percentage adjustment. The differences between the projected and
actual Member pay adjustments resulted from votes by Congress to prevent the increase (1994,
1995, 1996, 1997, 1999, 2007, 2010, and 2011and 2010) and limits on the increase of Member pay due to the
the percentage increase in GS pay (1994, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2008, and
2010). In some years, Member pay would have been lowered to match the GS base level if
Congress had not passed legislation denying the adjustment (1994, 1995, 1996, 1999, 2007 and
2010).
Table 3 lists the laws which have previously prohibited Member pay adjustments, as well
as the dates by which the prohibitions have been enacted. Figure 1, which follows, shows the
salary of Members of Congress in constant and current dollars since 1992.
(...continued)
December 31 for the two preceding years, minus 0.5%. The 2.8% adjustment was determined by taking the percentage
increase in the Index between the quarters ending December 2006 and December 2007, which was 3.3%, and
subtracting 0.5%. U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Cost Index—December 2007
(Washington: January 31, 2008), pp. 2, 15.
11
2 U.S.C. 31(2)(B).
12
which the prohibitions have been enacted, and the text of the provision prohibiting the
adjustment. Six of the eight bills in this list are appropriations bills, although a prohibition on
Member pay could be offered to any bill, or be introduced as a separate bill.14
Figure 1, which follows, shows the salary of Members of Congress in constant and current
dollars since 1992.
12
The base pay projection is based upon a number of events. Under the formula established in the Federal Employees
Pay Comparability Act (FEPCA, P.L. 101-509, November 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1429-1431; 5 U.S.C. 5301-5303), the
annual across-the-board pay adjustment in January 2009 was projected to equal 2.9%. This percentage, like that
adjusting Member pay, was determined based on changes in the Employment Cost Index (ECI), minus 0.5%. It reflects,
however, changes from September 2006 to September 2007, rather than December 2006 to December 2007.
Additionally, the Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, enacted on
September 30, 2008, provided an overall average (base and locality) pay adjustment of 3.9% for federal civilian
employees, including those covered by the General Schedule ( P.L. 110-329, Division A, §142(a), September 30,
2008). For additional information on the GS adjustments, see CRS Report RL34463, Federal White-Collar Pay:
FY2009 and FY2010 Salary Adjustments, by Barbara L. Schwemle.
13
U.S. President (Bush), “Adjustments of Certain Rates of Pay,” Executive Order 13483, Federal Register, vol. 73,
December 23, 2008, pp. 78587-78598.
14
Stand-alone bills prohibiting an adjustment in Member pay in recent Congresses include, for example, (111th
Congress) H.R. 4255, H.R. 4423, H.R. 156, H.R. 282, and H.R. 395; (110th Congress) H.R. 2916, H.R. 2934, H.R.
5087, H.R. 5091, and H.R. 6417; and, (109th Congress) H.R. 4134 and H.R. 4047.
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Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and Historical Tables
Table 1. Salary Adjustments for Members of Congress Since 1789
Date of Adjustment and Authority(date of adjustment and authority)
Payable Salary
(Current Dollars)a
Effective Date
Statutory Authority
$6 per diemb
March 4, 1789
1 Stat. 70-71
(September 22, 1789)
$6 per diem (Representatives)
March 4, 1795
1 Stat. 70-71
(September 22, 1789)
March 3, 1796
1 Stat. 448
(March 10, 1796)
December 4, 1815
3 Stat. 257
(March 19, 1816)
March 3, 1817
3 Stat. 345
(February 6, 1817)
March 3, 1817
3 Stat. 404
(January 22, 1818)
$3,000
December 3, 1855
11 Stat. 48
(August 16, 1856)
$3,000c
December 23, 1857
11 Stat. 367
(December 23, 1857)
$5,000
December 4, 1865
14 Stat. 323
(July 28, 1866)
$7,500
March 4, 1871
17 Stat. 486
(March 3, 1873)
$5,000
January 20, 1874
18 Stat. 4
(January 20, 1874)
$7,500
March 4, 1907
34 Stat. 993
(February 26, 1907)
$10,000
March 4, 1925
43 Stat. 1301
(March 4, 1925)
$9,000d
July 1, 1932
47 Stat. 401
(June 30, 1932)
$8,500
April 1, 1933
48 Stat. 14
(March 20, 1933)
$9,000
February 1, 1934
48 Stat. 521
(March 28, 1934)
$9,500
July 1, 1934
48 Stat. 521
(March 28, 1934)
$10,000
April 4, 1935
49 Stat. 24
(February 13, 1935)
$12,500
January 3, 1947
60 Stat. 850
(August 2, 1946)
$22,500
March 1, 1955
69 Stat. 11
(March 2, 1955)
$30,000
January 3, 1965
78 Stat. 415
(August 14, 1964)
$7 per diem (Senators)
$6 per diem
(Representatives and Senators)
$1,500
$6 per diem (Representatives)
$7 per diem (Senators)
$8 per diem
(Representatives and Senators)
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Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and Historical Tables
Payable Salary
(Current Dollars)a
Effective Date
Statutory Authority
$30,000
January 3, 1965
78 Stat. 415
(August 14, 1964)
$42,500
March 1, 1969
81 Stat. 642
(December 16, 1967)
$44,600
October 1, 1975
89 Stat. 421
(August 9, 1975)
$57,500
March 1, 1977
81 Stat. 642
(December 16, 1967)
October 1, 1979
89 Stat. 421
(August 9, 1975)
December 18, 1982
(Representatives)
96 Stat. 1914
(December 21, 1982)
July 1, 1983 (Senators)
97 Stat. 338
(July 30, 1983)
$72,600
January 1, 1984
89 Stat. 421
(August 9, 1975)
$75,100
January 1, 1985
89 Stat. 421
(August 9, 1975)
$77,400
January 1, 1987
89 Stat. 421
(August 9, 1975)
$89,500
February 4, 1987
81 Stat. 642
(December 16, 1967)
$96,600e (Representatives)
February 1, 1990
103 Stat. 1767-1768
(November 30, 1989)
$98,400 (Senators)
February 1, 1990
103 Stat. 1767-1768
(November 30, 1989)
$125,100 (Representatives)
January 1, 1991
103 Stat. 1768-1769
(November 30, 1989)
$101,900 (Senators)
January 1, 1991
103 Stat. 1769
(November 30, 1989)
$125,100 (Senators)
August 14, 1991
105 Stat. 450
(August 14, 1991)
$129,500 (Reps. and Sens.)
January 1, 1992
103 Stat.1769
(November 30, 1989)
$133,600 (Reps. and Sens.)
January 1, 1993
103 Stat. 1769
(November 30, 1989)
$136,700 (Reps. and Sens.)
January 1, 1998
103 Stat. 1769
(November 30, 1989)
$141,300 (Reps. and Sens.)
January 1, 2000
103 Stat. 1769
(November 30, 1989)
$145,100 (Reps. and Sens.)
January 1, 2001
103 Stat. 1769
(November 30, 1989)
$150,000 (Reps. and Sens.)
January 1, 2002
103 Stat. 1769
(November 30, 1989)
$154,700 (Reps. and Sens.)
January 1, 2003
103 Stat. 1769
(November 30, 1989)
$60,662.50
$69,800
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Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and Historical Tables
Payable Salary
(Current Dollars)a
Effective Date
Statutory Authority
$154,700 (Reps. and Sens.)
January 1, 2003
103 Stat. 1769
(November 30, 1989)
$158,100 (Reps. and Sens.)
January 1, 2004
103 Stat. 1769
(November 30, 1989)
$162,100 (Reps. and Sens.)
January 1, 2005
103 Stat. 1769
(November 30, 1989)
$165,200 (Reps. and Sens.)
January 1, 2006
103 Stat. 1769
(November 30, 1989)
$169,300 (Reps. and Sens.)
January 1, 2008
103 Stat. 1769
(November 30, 1989)
$174,000 (Reps. and Sens.)
January 1, 2009
103 Stat. 1769
(November 30, 1989)
Source: Congressional Research Service.
a.
From 1976 to 1983, the salary actually paid to Members was less than the salary to which Members were
entitled. The difference arose because Members were entitled to salaries authorized pursuant to the annual
pay comparability procedure (P.L. 94-82). However, on several occasions Congress did not appropriate
funds to pay any or part of the new salary increases authorized by P.L. 94-82. Accordingly, the salaries
shown in this table are the payable rates, indicating the salaries actually paid to Members of Congress.
b.
From 1789 to 1856, Senators and Representatives received a per diem pay rate for their attendance while
Congress was in session, except for the period December 1815—March 1817, when they received $1,500 a
year. First established at $6 a day in 1789 for Senators and Representatives, the per diem for Senators was
increased to $7 beginning March 4, 1795, pursuant to language in the 1789 act. A March 10, 1796, act
returned the per diem for Senators to $6 for each day of attendance while the Senate was in session.
Although a law providing for annual salaries was enacted during the 14th Congress, it was repealed on
February 6, 1817, and pay reverted to a per diem basis. The per diem rate was raised to $8 in 1818
(retroactive to March 3, 1817) and remained there until 1856, when Members of Congress began to receive
annual salaries. A list of all sessions dates and lengths is available at http://clerk.house.gov/art_history/
house_history/Session_Dates/sessionsAll.html.
c.
In 1857, Congress provided for pay at the rate of $250 per month while in session, or a maximum of $3,000
per annum.
d.
The act authorized the restoration of pay as of February 1, 1934, and the restoration of pay as of July 1,
1934.
e.
The Ethics Reform Act of 1989 (103 Stat. 1767-1768) increased pay for Representatives and Senators at
different rates. The pay of Representatives was increased to reflect the previously denied 1989 and 1990
pay adjustments (4.1% and 3.6%), compounded at 7.9%, effective February 1, 1990. The act further provided
for a 25% increase in Representatives’ pay, effective January 1, 1991. As a result, the pay of Representatives
increased from $89,500 to $96,600 on February 1, 1990, and increased to $125,100 on January 1, 1991. The
pay of Senators was increased to reflect the previously denied 1988, 1989, and 1990 comparability pay
adjustments (2%, 4.1%, and 3.6%), compounded at 9.9%, effective February 1, 1990. As a result, the pay of
Senators increased from $89,500 to $98,400 on February 1, 1990. The Ethics Act did not provide for any
other pay increase for Senators, as it did in providing a 25% increase for Representatives. The reason is that
Senators elected to deny themselves the 25% increase while retaining the ability to receive honoraria.
Subsequently, the Senate voted to increase its pay rate to that of Representatives and to prohibit receipt of
honoraria by Senators, effective August 14, 1991. As a result, Senate pay increased from $101,900 to
$125,100 per annum.
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Table 2. Member Pay Projected vs. Actual Adjustments Since 1992
Year
Projected Percent
Adjustment Under
ECI Formulaa
Actual Percent
Adjustment
1992
3.5%
3.5%
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Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and Historical Tables
Year
Projected Percent
Adjustment Under
ECI Formulaa
Actual Percent
Adjustment
1993
3.2%
3.2%
1994
2.1%
0
1995
2.6%
0
1996
2.3%
0
1997
2.3%
0
1998
2.9%
2.3%
1999
3.4%
0
2000
3.4%
3.4%
2001
3.0%
2.7%
2002
3.4%
3.4%
2003
3.3%
3.1%
2004
2.2%
2.2%
2005
2.5%
2.5%
2006
1.9%
1.9%
2007
2.0%
0
2008
2.7%
2.5%
2009
2.8%
2.8%
2010
2.1%
0
2011
0.9%
0
Source: Congressional Research Service
Notes:
a.
Projected increase is based on the formula established in the Ethics Reform Act. This is equivalent to the
percentage change in the Employment Cost Index (private industry wages and salaries, not seasonally
adjusted) reflected in the quarter ending December 31 for the two preceding years, minus 0.5%.
Table 3. Legislative Vehicles Used for Previous Pay Prohibitions and Enacted Dates, Enacted Dates,
and Pay Language
Pay
Year
Bill
Public Law
Enacted Date
Bill Title
1994
H.R. 920, 103rd Congress
P.L. 103-6
March 4, 1993
Emergency Unemployment Compensation
Amendments of 19931993a
1995
H.R. 4539, 103rd Congress
P.L. 103-329
September 28, 1994
Treasury, Postal Service and General
Government Appropriations Act, 19951995b
1996
H.R. 2020, 104th Congress
P.L. 104-52
November 15, 1995
Treasury, Postal Service, and General
Government Appropriations Act, 19961996c
1997
H.R. 3610, 104th Congress
P.L. 104-208
September 30, 1996
Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act,
1997
1999
H.R. 4328, 105th Congress
P.L. 105-277
October 21, 1998
Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency
Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999
2007
H.J.Res. 20, 110th Congress
P.L. 110-5
February 15, 2007
Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution,
2007
Congressional Research Service
7
.
Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and Historical Tables
Pay
Year
2010
Bill
H.R. 1105, 111th Congress
Public Law
P.L. 111-8
Enacted Date
March 11, 2009
Bill Title
Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009
Source: Congressional Research Service examination of enacted legislation.
Figure 1. Salary for Members of Congress: Current and Constant Dollars, 1992-2009
Note: 1992 was the first full year after the Ethics Reform Act that Representatives and Senators received the
same salary. Constant dollars based on Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U, Bureau of Labor
Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor). 2009 constant dollars are based on the average of the monthly CPI-U data
from January-July 2009. This table will be updated to include 2010 when CPI data for 2010 are released.
Author Contact Information
Ida A. Brudnick
Analyst on the Congress
ibrudnick@crs.loc.gov, 7-6460
Congressional Research Service
81997d
Congressional Research Service
8
Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and Historical Tables
Pay
Year
Bill
Public Law
Enacted Date
Bill Title
1999
H.R. 4328, 105th Congress
P.L. 105-277
October 21, 1998
Omnibus Consolidated and Emergency
Supplemental Appropriations Act, 1999e
2007
H.J.Res. 102, 109th Congress
P.L. 109-383
December 9, 2006
Making further continuing appropriations for the
FY2007, and for other purposesf
2007
H.J.Res. 20, 110th Congress
P.L. 110-5
February 15, 2007
Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution,
2007g
2010
H.R. 1105, 111th Congress
P.L. 111-8
March 11, 2009
Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009h
2011
H.R. 5146, 111th Congress
P.L. 111-165
May 14, 2010
To provide that Members of Congress shall not
receive a cost of living adjustment in pay during
fiscal year 2011i
Source: Congressional Research Service examination of enacted legislation.
Notes: The provisions footnoted below, while varying slightly in language, have been used in the above
legislation to prohibit Member pay adjustments.
a.
“Notwithstanding section 601(a)(2) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 31(2)), the cost
of living adjustment (relating to pay for Members of Congress) which would become effective under such
provision of law during calendar year 1994 shall not take effect.”
b.
“For purposes of each provision of law amended by section 704(a)(2) of the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 (5
U.S.C. 5318 note), no adjustment under section 5303 of title 5, United States Code, shall be considered to
have taken effect in fiscal year 1995 in the rates of basic pay for the statutory pay systems.”
c.
“For purposes of each provision of law amended by section 704(a)(2) of the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 (5
U.S.C. 5318 note), no adjustment under section 5303 of title 5, United States Code, shall be considered to
have taken effect in fiscal year 1996 in the rates of basic pay for the statutory pay systems.”
d.
“For purposes of each provision of law amended by section 704(a)(2) of the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 (5
U.S.C. 5318 note), no adjustment under section 5303 of title 5, United States Code, shall be considered to
have taken effect in fiscal year 1997 in the rates of basic pay for the statutory pay systems.”
e.
“For purposes of each provision of law amended by section 704(a)(2) of the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 (5
U.S.C. 5318 note), no adjustment under section 5303 of title 5, United States Code, shall be considered to
have taken effect in fiscal year 1999 in the rates of basic pay for the statutory pay systems.”
f.
“Notwithstanding any other provision of this division and notwithstanding section 601(a)(2) of the
Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 31), the percentage adjustment scheduled to take effect
under such section for 2007 shall not take effect until February 16, 2007.”
g.
“Notwithstanding any other provision of this division and notwithstanding section 601(a)(2) of the
Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 31), the percentage adjustment scheduled to take effect
under such section for 2007 shall not take effect.”
h.
“Notwithstanding any provision of section 601(a)(2) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C.
31(2)), the percentage adjustment scheduled to take effect under any such provision in calendar year 2010
shall not take effect.”
i.
“Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no adjustment shall be made under section 601(a) of the
Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 31) (relating to cost of living adjustments for Members of
Congress) during fiscal year 2011.”
Congressional Research Service
9
Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and Historical Tables
Figure 1. Salary for Members of Congress: Current and Constant Dollars, 1992-2010
$250,000
$200,000
Salary
$150,000
$100,000
Current Dollars
Constant 2010
Dollars
Constant 1992
Dollars
$50,000
$0
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
Year
Source: Congressional Research Service.
Note: The figure provides information since 1992, which was the first full year after the Ethics Reform Act that
Representatives and Senators received the same salary. Constant dollars based on Consumer Price Index for All
Urban Consumers (CPI-U, Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor). 2010 constant dollars are
based on the CPI-U annual average data.
Author Contact Information
Ida A. Brudnick
Analyst on the Congress
ibrudnick@crs.loc.gov, 7-6460
Congressional Research Service
10