Congressional Spending Bill Includes 3.8% Pay Raise, Not 40% as Claimed

The proposed stopgap bill would end a 15-year pay freeze for lawmakers, allowing a salary increase tied to inflation adjustments.

The continuing resolution (CR) introduced on December 17 would fund the government through March 14, 2025, and includes a 3.8% cost-of-living adjustment for congressional salaries.
If passed, the raise would increase lawmakers' annual base salary from $174,000 to $180,600, marking the first pay adjustment since 2009.
False claims on social media, including by Elon Musk, alleged a 40% salary increase; this figure stems from a misinterpretation of data showing hypothetical raises since 1992.
Some lawmakers, such as Rep. Jared Golden, oppose the pay raise provision, arguing Congress should focus on addressing economic challenges faced by constituents.
The bill must pass by December 20 to avoid a government shutdown, with critics labeling it a 'Christmas tree bill' for its inclusion of unrelated provisions.