Retiring Moran Says Congress is ‘Underpaid’

Jim Moran won't have to worry about his 'meager' salary after November.
Jim Moran won’t have to worry about his ‘meager’ salary after November.

With nothing to lose — except perhaps sympathy from any American making less than $174,000 a year — retiring Democratic Virginia Congressman Jim Moran said in an interview with CQ Roll Call last Thursday that members of Congress are “underpaid.”

Never mind that Moran, who represents the sixth-wealthiest district in the nation, still earns more than three times his district’s average per-capita income, and about five times more than average per-capita income in the commonwealth. Of course, that $174,000 congressional base salary doesn’t even begin to take into account perks like pensions.

Moran’s remarks come at a time when Virginia’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate is 4.9 percent. That’s still better than the national average, but some localities, like Martinsville, Emporia and Williamsburg cities, still have unemployment rates well into the double digits.

“I think the American people should know that the members of Congress are underpaid,” said Moran, noting that many congressmen have to rent a small apartment in Washington or sleep in their offices because they have a home in their district. “I understand that it’s widely felt that they underperform, but the fact is that this is the board of directors for the largest economic entity in the world.”

Moran said it’s hard to afford to live “decently” in the Washington, D.C. area.

That Americans think Congress is underperforming is an understatement. Gallup has congressional approval ratings in the teens.

“I am glad to see that Rep. Moran is retiring so his family no longer has to suffer through the financial hardship that is a congressional salary, which is more than triple the average income of his constituents,” said Raffi Williams, spokesman for the Republican National Committee, in an email.

Candidates vying for Moran’s seat weren’t too keen on that comment either.

“I have lived in the D. C. areas for over 39 years on an income far less than the income of members of Congress,” said Paul Haring, a Republican hopeful for Moran’s seat. “I think we should all be grateful for all our blessings we have received and are always receiving in our lives and give our thanks to God every day.”

And Anne Ward, campaign manager for Micah Edmond, another Republican hopeful, said this:

“Micah strongly rejects Jim Moran’s call for a pay raise for congressmen, especially when so many families in Virginia’s 8th District can’t find jobs or make ends meet. … Micah Edmond will work with Republicans and Democrats alike to get our fiscal house in order and end this fiscal madness for which our children and grandchildren will have to pay, now and in the future.”

Moran’s office did not immediately respond to say whether the congressman still holds to his statement. Moran leaves office in November.

By Kathryn Watson | Watchdog.org, Virginia Bureau

Latest Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest Articles

- Advertisement -

Related Articles