The issue of how much to pay Members of Congress is part of the larger question as to whether Congress has the capacity to perform its role in our democracy. Whether the issue is Member pay, congressional staff pay, diversity and staff retention, or modern digital tools, any alteration in the institution’s capacity to do its job has implications not just for Congress, but for the American public.

In that context, the Congressional Management Foundation (CMF) supports reinstituting a standard cost of living adjustment (COLA) for Members of Congress to align with other federal employees or Social Security recipients. A salary sufficient to support the requirements of residences in both Washington and the home district, that keeps pace with inflation, ensures the American people can be represented by Members from all walks of life. This, combined with sufficient staff salaries and access to the digital tools needed for engagement with their constituents, will support the better functioning of Congress.

Note: This is only the third time in CMF's 42-year history it has taken a position on a policy question before Congress. The first instance was our support for a Resolution to create a Joint Committee on the Reorganization of Congress. The second instance was to support a proposal to pay congressional interns.