Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas votes to block congressional pay raises

WASHINGTON D.C. -- Congresswoman Suzanne Kosmas, D-New Smyrna Beach (FL-24), as part of her efforts to promote fiscal responsibility in Washington, voted Tuesday to block the scheduled 2011 pay raise for Members of Congress.

The first-term congresswoman has repeatedly fought against member pay raises and cosponsored legislation earlier this year to stop the 2011 raise.

Kosmas' first legislative action upon entering office was signing on as cosponsor of a bill to eliminate the 2010 pay raise (HR 156). Her efforts were ultimately successful as the measure was adopted by Congressional leaders and the 2010 pay raise was eliminated.

Kosmas is also a co-sponsor of legislation to eliminate all future automatic pay raises for members of Congress (HR 1597) and has pledged to never accept a pay raise as long as she remains in office.

"Our successful effort to once again block the Congressional pay raise is another step towards restoring fiscal responsibility and accountability in Washington," Kosmas said. "Central Florida families are struggling to make ends meet, and eliminating the pay raise is a common-sense way for Congress to cut back during these difficult economic times."

Kosmas has also cosponsored the Taking Responsibility for Congressional Pay Act, legislation which will cut pay for all Senators and Representatives by 5 percent starting Jan. 1, 2011.

If the bill is passed into law, Member salaries will be reduced for the first time since April 1, 1933, in the midst of the Great Depression.