Congress Accused of Sneaky Pay Raise Amidst Public Outrage
A bipartisan spending deal passed by the House includes a cost-of-living pay raise for lawmakers—their first since 2009—and an opt-out from the Affordable Care Act’s health insurance requirements. These provisions, slipped into the bill unnoticed, are likely to face criticism; the pay raise is politically sensitive given Congress’s unpopularity, while the Obamacare opt-out could draw opposition from Democrats who were unaware of its inclusion. The pay raise has been sought for years, but its timing may prove detrimental. Republicans have long sought the ACA opt-out, while Democrats remain upset at its clandestine addition.
John Q. Hosedrinker