Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly voted to cut 5% from the Members’ Representational Allowances (MRA), which are the budgets for all U.S. Representatives’ offices, House leadership offices, and House committee offices for 2011 and 2012. 

“At a time when Hoosier families have already tightened their belts, the House should follow suit,” said Donnelly.  “Since coming to Congress, I’ve supported responsible use of tax dollars in the running of my office and have consistently opposed congressional pay raises, so I welcome the chance to do more to cut spending.  I look forward to additional opportunities to trim federal spending in these challenging economic times.”

In addition to returning a portion of his MRA every year since coming to Congress, Congressman Donnelly has consistently voted against pay increases for Members of Congress.  Donnelly believes the cut he supported this afternoon should also apply to representatives’ salaries which is why he joined Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords in introducing legislation today to also apply the 5% cut to members’ salaries.

The resolution cutting 5% from all representatives’ office budgets, House leadership budgets, and House committee budgets passed with bipartisan support, 410 to 13.

###