Patrick McHenry, a retiring US House Republican from North Carolina, who has previously opposed raising the federal minimum wage, is now endorsing an increase in the $174,000 salaries for rank-and-file Congress members. McHenry argues that higher salaries would attract "credible people to run for office" and balance the playing field with the executive and judicial branches.
In an interview with the Dispatch, McHenry stated, "Most of us don't have wealth," emphasizing the need for competitive compensation to entice qualified individuals to serve in Congress. He contends that Congress should not disadvantage itself in the system of checks and balances by having lower pay compared to other branches of government.
The remarks from McHenry have evoked mixed reactions. Some view the call for higher salaries as a logical way to attract better candidates, while others criticize the apparent hypocrisy, given McHenry's previous opposition to raising the federal minimum wage. Critics point out that McHenry's stance contradicts his past votes against increasing the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15.
McHenry, who served as interim House speaker briefly, announced his retirement in December and will conclude his term in early 2025, marking two decades in the House. While some lawmakers argue that higher salaries can limit corruption and improve responsiveness to voters, McHenry focuses on the idea that skill and competence come at a cost.
Despite the push for pay raises, a significant portion of the American public disapproves of increasing Congress members' salaries. The last raise occurred in 2009, and a poll by Business Insider in March indicated that most Americans are against such raises. Notably, the current individual salary of $174,000 is considerably higher than the US median household income in 2022, which stood at $74,580. Critics highlight that Congress members also enjoy additional benefits, including medical benefits, not available to most citizens.