McHenry Calls for Congressional Pay Raises Before Retirement, Says Higher Salaries Needed to Attract Talent
• Rep. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) called for pay raises for members of Congress and their staff • He said more pay would incentivize "credible people to run for office" and allow Congress to attract high-quality staff • McHenry said most members live on their Congressional salary and higher pay would reduce domination by the very wealthy • He praised raising the salary cap for senior staff but said more steps are needed for Congress to compete with other branches • McHenry reflected on nearly 20 years in Congress as he prepares to retire at the end of his current term