Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois appeared pleased when informed by a CNN reporter Wednesday that Congress is looking to potentially give itself a pay raise.
The pay raise, a “cost of living adjustment,” which would add $6,600 a year to Congress’ $174,000 annual salary, was buried in a 1,574-page continuing resolution that was unveiled Tuesday evening. Durbin claimed to be surprised when told of the provision by CNN reporter Manu Raju.
“Well, that’s news to me. It’s good news,” Durbin told Raju. “You know, what has it been, 10 years or 14 years and no COLA, no change at all? I think it’s about time something’s done.”
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“You support giving yourselves a pay raise?” Raju asked, with Durbin responding, “Well, it’s what it is. How would I not know about the amount of pay raise?”
The massive spending package has drawn fire from many Republicans, with House Speaker Mike Johnson being grilled about the deal during a Wednesday morning appearance on “Fox and Friends.”
“But, I mean, people look at the performance of Congress and say, why should we give them more money?” Raju asked Durbin, who responded, “What about the media? Think about that for a second.”
“We’re not paid by public money,” Raju responded, prompting Durbin to retort, “I know you’re not, but, I mean, half of your listeners are not there anymore. You’re still getting the same paycheck? What’s going on?”
CNN saw a significant decline in ratings following the 2024 election, in which former President Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris. One reporter with the network, Clarissa Ward, apparently fell for a hoax while covering the aftermath of Syrian President Bashir al-Assad’s regime collapsing.
“Well, I mean, you’re taxpayer money,” Raju responded. “I mean, do you guys deserve a raise?”
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