Rep. Jeff Duncan refuses Obama-ordered pay raise
For another example of politicos who put leadership ahead of ego, the Blogland commends Third District Congressman Jeff Duncan for showing real fiscal leadership during the ongoing disputes over how to resolve the "fiscal cliff" showdown in Washington.
This evening, Duncan was the first member of South Carolina's congressional delegation to reject the federal pay raise ordered by President Obama:
The timing of President Obama’s executive order to raise salaries for Members of Congress and the Vice President shows how out of touch with reality the President is when it comes to spending. Congress doesn’t need a pay raise, and if given a raise I will return it. This executive order highlights the President’s serious lack of judgment when it comes to spending money. President Obama’s decision gives every American the right to question his judgment in managing our nation’s finances. Raising taxes will result in more government spending, not less debt for our children and grandchildren. I will not be fooled into believing that Washington intends to use tax increases to pay down the debt.
It's hard to manage a spending crisis if you just want to spend more, especially considering many private sector employers haven't been able to give raises for years. It's time Washington got it and led by example.
*** about 11pm on 12/31, Senator Tim Scott announced that he would join Duncan in refusing the pay raise.
*** about 11pm on 12/31, Senator Tim Scott announced that he would join Duncan in refusing the pay raise.