US Congress raised their own salaries to $7500.

On February 26, 1907, the US Congress shocked the nation by raising their own salaries to a staggering $7,500. This decision sparked outrage among the general public, who felt that it was a clear example of politicians putting their own interests before those of the American people.

At the time, the average American worker earned just $600 per year, making the $7,500 salary for members of Congress seem exorbitant in comparison. This move was especially controversial considering that Congress had previously been earning a salary of $5,000, which was already considered a generous amount.

Critics argued that the increase was unjustified, as members of Congress were already receiving more than enough compensation for their work. Furthermore, they believed that it was unreasonable to give themselves such a substantial raise when many Americans were struggling to make ends meet.

The public’s discontent was further amplified by the fact that Congress had not raised the minimum wage in decades, leaving many workers in poverty. This contrast between the salaries of politicians and the average American worker only served to widen the perceived gap between the political elite and the rest of the population.

Many citizens voiced their frustrations by writing letters to their representatives, attending protests, and expressing their anger in newspapers and other media outlets. The public sentiment towards Congress had reached a boiling point, with many calling for stricter regulations on politicians’ salaries, as well as more transparency in how their salaries were determined.

In response to the public outcry, some members of Congress attempted to justify the raise by arguing that it was necessary to attract and retain qualified individuals in public office. They argued that higher salaries would encourage talented individuals to enter politics and serve the country, ultimately benefiting the American people. However, this argument was largely dismissed by the general public, who saw it as a self-serving excuse.

Ultimately, the raise in congressional salaries ignited a movement for greater accountability and oversight of politicians’ compensation. The public demanded that politicians be held to the same standards as other public servants and subject to regular salary reviews. They also called for more transparency in how these decisions were made, and greater involvement from the public in the discussion.

Although it took several years, the public pressure eventually led to reforms in the way politicians’ salaries were determined. Today, members of Congress no longer have the power to unilaterally raise their own salaries. Instead, an independent commission reviews their compensation and makes recommendations, which are then voted on by the Congress as a whole.

The controversial decision by Congress to raise their own salaries to $7,500 in 1907 remains a dark chapter in American history. It serves as a reminder of the importance of holding politicians accountable for their actions and ensuring that they are working in the best interests of the American people. The outrage and subsequent reforms that followed this incident were a testament to the power of public opinion and its ability to shape the course of our nation’s history.