House rejects pay raise
WASHINGTON -- The House voted last week to freeze congressional pay for a second consecutive year.
Lawmakers voted 402-15 to forego a cost-of-living adjustment in 2011, an amount that was estimated at $1,600. The 2010 raise was blocked last year.
"The American people are not getting a raise this year. Neither should Congress," said Rep. Harry Mitchell, D-Ariz.
The Senate then passed the pay freeze by voice vote, and it was sent to President Barack Obama to sign into law.
Rank-and-file members of the House and Senate make $174,000 a year. The majority and minority leaders get $193,400. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., is paid $223,500.
The last pay raise took effect Jan. 1, 2009.
Reps. Shelley Berkley and Dina Titus, both D-Nev., and Dean Heller, R-Nev., voted against the pay raise.
Puerto Rico bill passed
The House voted 223-169 to set up a process that could allow residents of Puerto Rico to eventually vote on whether to seek independence or become the 51st state.
The bill, sponsored by Pedro Pierluisi, the Caribbean island's Democratic delegate, authorizes a referendum for Puerto Ricans to vote on remaining a U.S. commonwealth or seek a new political status.
If a majority votes for a change in status, a second referendum would be held. In it, Puerto Ricans would choose among statehood, full independence, or independence with a special tie to the United States.
The vote would be nonbinding on Congress, but would be intended to send a message about the island's wishes for its political future.
The issue divided lawmakers in both parties, including Hispanic members.
Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., said the bill was inconsistent with the process that was followed when Alaska and Hawaii sought entry to the Union.
And before Puerto Rico is put on a path to statehood, Hastings argued more needs to be known about how it would impact federal spending.
He also questioned whether English would be considered the official language of the predominantly Spanish-speaking territory.
The legislation "has the process entirely backwards," Hastings said.
"Let us be clear," added Rep. Nydia Velazquez, D-N.Y. "This legislation is designed to push the statehood agenda, regardless of whether that agenda is the best solution for the island or even among the people.
"It does place (House) members in the awkward position of explaining why they are meddling in Puerto Rico," Velazquez said.
Pierluisi responded that the legislation was fair, and it was not "a statehood bill." "It shows the highest respect for the people of Puerto Rico by being candid with them about their real status choices," he said.
"We're not meddling. We're assuming a responsibility."
Berkley and Titus voted for the bill, while Heller voted against it.
Contact Stephens Washington Bureau Chief
Steve Tetreault at stetreault@stephensmedia.com
or 202-783-1760.
