congressional operations

Paying congressional employees a reasonable salary isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s good management. If an employee is worried about how they can pay bills, buy food, or afford housing, they are going to be less effective at their jobs. Today’s actions by Speaker Nancy Pelosi builds on the recommendations of the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress to bring Congress in line with the private sector in terms of pay and working conditions. Establishing a minimum salary threshold, recommended by CMF and other organizations, is a critical step in making the House a better place to work.

The Congressional Management Foundation heartily commends the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress on its latest set of recommendations. Like it has in the past, the Committee has not shied away from the difficult topics – and exploring how to improve collaboration and civility among Members and staff is surely a challenge. Additionally, the recommendations regarding key congressional support agencies and evidence-based policymaking, if implemented, would significantly improve the support Members of Congress and staff need to develop sound and well-researched public policy decisions.