STAFF NEWS: House Appropriators Include Big Increase in Member’s Office Budgets
House Appropriators are including in their version of the 2022 legislative branch funding bill a substantial increase in the Members Representation Allowance (MRA), the account from which personal and committee staffers are paid.
The draft bill boosts the MRA by $134 million, to a total of $774 million. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) had recommended a 20 percent boost, so the appropriators are going a bit beyond his suggestion, at 21 percent.
House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-MD) and House Democratic Caucus Chairman Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY) released a joint statement, saying:
“The Fiscal Year 2022 Legislative Branch Appropriations legislation includes a 21% increase in Member’s Representational Allowances, which will allow Member offices to increase salaries for Congressional staff.
“Too often, the House of Representatives is unable to compete with the private sector for top talent, creating a ‘brain drain’ that hinders our service to the American people.
“From assisting with federal resources to strengthening everyday Americans’ voices in our government, the quality of services Members of Congress provide are directly tied to the quality of our staff in our districts and in DC.”
The MRA reached its high point in 2010 but then began a steady decline until 2014. Since then, the amount budgeted by Congress for its operations has increased a little each year, with the 7.2 percent increase last year being the largest year-to-year hike in quite a while.
Improving staff pay, benefits and working condition has been a primary concern for HillFaith from its beginning in 2018. For previous HillFaith coverage of this issue, see the following:
- Support Growing for Hill Staff Pay Hikes
- Former Hill Chief of Staff Calls for Higher Staff Pay, More Recognition
- Broad Coalition of Advocacy Groups Urges Staff Pay Raises
- Three GOP Senate Freshmen Among Top 10 For Staff Pay
- These Are The Top 10 Best, Worst Offices for Paying Staff
- Five Biggest Staff Problems That Hurt Congress, America
HILLFAITH FAQ
You’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.