Members of Congress are poised to receive a pay raise for the first time in 15 years, buried within a 1,574-page spending bill unveiled Tuesday evening. The provision, part of a continuing resolution (CR), has sparked outrage among lawmakers and constituents, who see it as tone-deaf amid ongoing financial struggles for Americans.

If signed into law, the CR would grant lawmakers a $6,600 raise in 2025, reflecting a 3.8% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Currently, members of Congress earn a base salary of $174,000, with leadership roles commanding higher pay. The proposed increase comes as inflation, driven by policies under President Joe Biden’s administration, continues to squeeze household budgets.

NEW🚨: Vivek Ramaswamy rips Speaker Johnson's funding bill, says the government is trying to waste your money without telling you.

Here is what's inside:

– Pay raises for members of Congress.
– Expansion of their federal health benefits.
– Opening up a new stadium in… pic.twitter.com/grkeelNoeY

— Officer Lew (@officer_Lew) December 18, 2024

Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME) sharply criticized the provision, calling it a “member perk” snuck into essential legislation. “Congress should focus on raising Americans’ wages, not its own,” Golden said in a press release. He pledged to vote against the CR unless the pay freeze is reinstated.

Republican lawmakers echoed his frustration. Rep. Eli Crane (R-AZ) condemned the bill as another example of Congress failing Americans. “So Congress is failing the American people AGAIN and giving themselves a raise in the process?” Crane posted on X. Similarly, Rep. Victoria Spartz (R-IN) labeled the increase “hypocritical,” especially given Congress’ recent record.

Congress has done nothing to deserve a pay raise – SHUT IT DOWN!

— SazzygirlinCali (@RjbRocklin) December 18, 2024

Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) proposed a constitutional amendment to prevent lawmakers from granting themselves raises. “Congress shall make no law respecting the citizens of the United States that does not also apply to members of Congress themselves,” he wrote on X.

With this pork filled bill, Congress has once again shown its intent to abuse us, trying to sneak through a 40% pay raise for themselves while funding questionable projects, all under the pressure of holiday deadlines.

This might just be their last attempt to exploit their power… pic.twitter.com/EYFpmgq8zq

— LilHumansBigImpact (@BigImpactHumans) December 18, 2024

Proponents of the pay raise argue it reflects the rising cost of living in Washington, D.C., but critics note that inflation, fueled by recent spending bills, has worsened under Biden’s policies. The CR, which also includes provisions allowing lawmakers to opt out of Obamacare, temporarily extends government funding through March 14, 2025, averting a looming shutdown.