Politics

House Passes Appropriations Bill, Freezes Members’ Pay

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Juliegrace Brufke Capitol Hill Reporter
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The House voted to pass $3.48 billion legislation to fund congressional operations and extend its pay freeze Friday.

The 2017 Legislative Branch Appropriations bill passed in a 233-175 vote, with just 11 Democrats supporting it. The legislation raised spending levels by $73 million to fund congressional support agencies, Capitol police and operations. It also changed rules permitting sledding on Capitol Hill.

“The slight increase in funds is directed to critical security efforts, and essential health and safety improvements to aging or damaged facilities to protect members, staff, and visitors,” the House Committee on Appropriations said in a statement. “In all, funding for the House of Representatives has been reduced by 13.2 percent since Republicans gained its control in January 2011.”

The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) slammed Democrats for voting against the measure.

“House Republicans are once again leading by example by keeping their own spending low and freezing pay for members of Congress,” NRCC spokesman Bob Salera said in a statement. “House Democrats voted to increase their pay which proves they are more focused on padding their own wallets than looking out for taxpayers.”

Congress has been blocked from pay raises since 2010.

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