Cut Congressional and staff pay and benefits before asking average Americans to take massive cuts in services

The average Congressional salary is $174,000 per year plus benefits. If cutting the deficit and balancing the budget is so vital, Congress and their staff should take an immediate 30 percent pay cut before asking average Americans to accept any cuts in services.
Furthermore, If Congressional action (or lack of it) forces a government shutdown, members of the House and Senate and their staff should forfeit their pay for the entire duration of the shutdown and NOT be paid back for that period after the government resumes operation.
Finally, all future Congressional pay raises should be determined by a constituient referendum vote. No member of Congress should be allowed to vote himself a pay raise.