Congress will once more increase the strict wage limit for staff members, this time to an eye-watering $212,100, according to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
Friday’s announcement of the transition by Pelosi, whose second term as House Speaker begins in 2019, may have been her last in the now Republican chamber.
To preserve parity with politicians on Capitol Hill, the 82-year-old San Francisco mayor increased the maximum wage for House staff a third time, from $199,300 to $203,700 in May.
The current top compensation for aides is now $38,000 higher than what Senate workers make themselves, despite the boost, which applies to staffers in the lower house.
Pelosi announced the adjustment for the New Year in a statement, explaining her thinking behind the significant increase. Pelosi, who is expected to maintain her position as speaker come Sunday now that Republicans have won control of the House, also provided more information about the adjustment.
The 82-year-old Pelosi told her other lawmakers, “As you know, our hard-working, patriotic Congressional workers are crucial to the functioning of the House of Representatives: ensuring that this institution can properly carry out our legislative and constituency responsibilities.”
The speaker said, “To that end, we must do all in our power to maintain and attract the best talent in our country – and to establish a Congressional workforce that reflects the communities we are honored to serve.”
