The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“THE TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT OF 2003” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Transportation was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E1855 on Sept. 23, 2003.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
THE TRANSPORTATION, TREASURY, AND INDEPENDENT AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS
ACT OF 2003
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HON. EARL POMEROY
of north dakota
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, September 23, 2003
Mr. POMEROY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the authorization of an automatic cost-of-living (COLA) pay increase for Members of Congress contained within H.R. 2989. It is essential that Members have the opportunity to consider a pay raise independently of funding for important transportation projects in their districts.
I was disappointed with the automatic inclusion of a Congressional pay raise in the bill and I voted against the rule to allow consideration of H.R. 2989 with the inclusion of this provision. Unfortunately, the motion to prevent consideration of the bill failed 235-178. While I did not support the pay raise, I ultimately voted for the bill because it included $5.2 million for transportation projects in North Dakota. I am excited that my State received these funds for important road and transit improvements, but I am also disappointed that I was unable to consider the Congressional pay raise as a measure separate from Department of Transportation funding.
A fiscally responsible Congress should consider the automatic COLA pay increase independently of funding for other programs. It is my hope that Congress will take steps to ensure separate consideration for any increases in the future.
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