Rep. Suzan DelBene returning 8.2 percent of salary
Apr 10, 2013, 10:41 AM | Updated: 10:54 am
(Image courtesy Facebook - Suzan DelBene)
(Image courtesy Facebook - Suzan DelBene)
Washington Congresswoman Suzan DelBene is returning 8.2 percent of her salary to the U.S. treasury to match the cuts being seen by federal agencies due to sequestration.
“If federal workers and programs that working families count on are taking this type of cut, I think it’s the fair thing to do that I take the cut as well,” DelBene tells KIRO Radio’ Seattle’s Morning News.
DelBene says people need to be aware of the impact of cuts. “I think members of congress right now are some of those that should feel that impact.”
She’s also supporting legislation that would make it mandatory for members of congress to have a cut in pay if federal agencies see across-the-board spending reductions in the future.
DelBene says she’s not alone in congress taking a pay cut, but she’s not sure just how many others have made the decision.
President Barack Obama announced last week he would also be returning 5 percent of his salary in a show of solidarity with federal workers.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
