This is the worst possible time for Members of Congress to increase their pay. It sends the wrong message to hard-working Americans who are struggling with layoffs and financial uncertainty. The Stop the Congressional Pay Raise Act, which I am cosponsoring, would block the automatic salary increase Members are scheduled to receive.

In the midst of the most severe economic downturn in our lifetime, this is the first step we can take to rein in wasteful government spending, restore the trust of the American people and move our nation in the right direction.