Let's send a message to the House that if we are really all in this together, this includes them as well. Let's sound the alarm to Congress that budget control includes sacrifices by everyone-- including them. (See information below for more details.) As of January 2010, the annual salary of each Representative and Senator is $174,000. The Speaker of the House, President Pro Tempore and the Majority and Minority Leaders earn more: $223,500 for the Speaker and President Pro Tempore, and $193,400 for their party leaders (the same as Senate leaders). A cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) increase takes effect annually unless Congress votes to not accept it. Representatives are eligible for lifetime benefits after serving for five years, including a pension, health benefits, and social security benefits. In 2006, the average annual pension for retired senators and representatives under CSRS was $60,972, while those who retired under FERS, or in combination with CSRS, was $35,952.

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