2006-07-02 06:23:02 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Government
We don't any more. The 27th Amendment (part of the original Bill of Rights package, incidentally) theoretically prevents it, although they can vote a pay raise that takes effect after the next congressional election.
However, the slick politicians figured a way around it: now they get an annual cost-of-living increase that automatically goes through unless they vote to not take it that year. And I don't recall them ever so voting.
2006-07-02 06:29:50 · answer #1 · answered by BroadwayPhil 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
At one time, they had to go through a different pay raise system that allowed them to go on the public speaking circuit. The compromise of them losing tons of money bouncing around the country not doing there job was to allow them to vote on their own pay raises and limiting their ability to earn extra income through speaking.
2006-07-02 06:28:51 · answer #2 · answered by andy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We don't. Congress gets a sly hair to try voting such in right out from under our noses; normally getting caught by CNN and other dedicated news networks.
As a society, we in the U.S. are so apathetic, that we really believe we're helpless; that we believe we can't recall our elected officials for such outrages / abuses of their empowerment.
The bold truth, however, is : we CAN recall those elected officials, if we just knew what steps can be taken and make sure they get done.
2006-07-02 06:29:05 · answer #3 · answered by Mr. Wizard 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the real question should be why do they give themselves raises but do not raise the minimum wage.
i am glad i live in Wisconsin. Senator Feingold is actually trying to get rid of the automatic pay raise and he does not except a raise till he is re-elected
2006-07-02 07:14:58 · answer #4 · answered by specal k 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they think they are more deserving than anyone else on earth as far as they are concerned. They Are Very Important.
2006-07-02 07:01:32 · answer #5 · answered by Zoe 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because we're never given a chance to vote on it,
2006-07-02 06:28:49 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because they are usually smart enough to do this before we (the voters) find out they have done it.
2006-07-02 06:27:09 · answer #7 · answered by Charlotte W 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because they do it with ought anyone knowing about it, if we cant vote on it there is no way for us to stop it.
2006-07-02 08:05:30 · answer #8 · answered by Heather W 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
wouldn't you if you could?
2006-07-02 07:06:12 · answer #9 · answered by biggupp (דוד) 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋