In 1989, Congress passed an amendment allowing for the automatic raises, unless lawmakers specifically voted to reject it. Which Congress did, until 2000. This means that, unless members of Congress "remembers" to vote AGAINST receiving a pay increase, they will receive an automatic pay increase. Given the performance of the most recent Congress, it is time for the President to pursue having this amendment replaced by one that requires a roll-call vote with a 75% majority for any increase in the benefits received by members of Congress.



