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WASHINGTON DC --
Congressman Sanford D. Bishop, Jr. of Georgia's 2nd District joined Georgia 12th District Congressman John Barrow and other colleagues in urging the United States House of Representatives leadership to oppose the pay increase for Members of Congress, as dictated by an Executive Order from the President of the United States on December 27, 2012.

“I feel it is premature for Congress to have the luxury of a scheduled pay increase while the nation stands on the edge of the fiscal cliff,” said Congressman Bishop. “Instead, Congress should continue to work to lower tax rates on working Americans, reduce federal spending, and rein in our nation’s debt.”

“We believe that it is inappropriate for Members of Congress to receive a pay increase of any size while American families and taxpayers continue to face tough economic times,” the letter states. “We urge you to bring legislation to the floor to stop this pay adjustment as soon as possible.”

The Executive Order lifted the ban on pay freezes for federal employees, resulting in a 0.5 to 1.1 pay increase.