(Washington, DC) - U.S. Representative Jason Altmire (PA-4) voted Wednesday to oppose a pay raise for Members of Congress.  The automatic 2.7% cost of living increase will raise Member's salaries by $4,460 next year.  The vote was taken on the rule providing for consideration of the fiscal year 2008 Financial Services Appropriations Act (H.R. 2829).  This is the second time Congressman Altmire has voted against a congressional pay hike since taking office six months ago.  In January, he voted to block a scheduled 2.0% pay raise, included in the fiscal year 2007 Continuing Resolution, from going into effect.

"I strongly oppose the January 2008 automatic pay raise for Members of Congress," said Congressman Altmire.  "In my first month in office, I voted against the 2007 pay raise, and I continue to believe that increases in the salaries of Members of Congress are unwarranted.  Western Pennsylvania sent me to Congress to change the way Washington does business.  With wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and an annual federal deficit at over $200 billion, there are better ways for the federal government to spend taxpayers' money than giving ourselves a raise."