Democrat Mocks CNN After Questioning Pay Raise for Congress

What’s New

Senator Dick Durbin mocked CNN after Manu Raju, the network’s anchor and chief congressional correspondent, pressed him on whether lawmakers deserve a pay raise.

On Wednesday, Raju asked Durbin, the Illinois Democrat who serves as the party’s whip, about a continuing resolution (CR), introduced by House Republicans, that includes Congress’ first pay raise since 2009. His questioning prompted Durbin to question the pay reporters received.

Newsweek reached out via email to spokespersons for CNN and Durbin for comment.

Why It Matters

If the CR passes as is, it will be the first increase in pay for members of Congress in more than a decade. Both Democrats and Republicans, particularly those who represent competitive districts, have been hesitant to push for raises amid concerns that voters may punish them at the ballot box or their opponents will use it against them in their next reelection.

Americans generally are unhappy with Congress. Gallup’s congressional approval tracker showed that only 19 percent of all Americans approved of Congress in November. The legislature hasn’t had a positive approval rating since 2002.

What To Know

Durbin, who was unaware that the bill contained a raise for lawmakers until asked about it by Raju, said he believes it’s “good news” and “about time” for a raise, given that it’s been more than a decade since the last one.

Raju, however, pressed him a bit more on the issue, prompting the senator to slam CNN and the media for not taking pay cuts despite lower viewership. “People look at the performance and say, ‘Why should we give them more money?” he asked.

Durbin hit back by asking about the media, to which Raju pointed out that journalists aren’t paid by public money.

“I know you’re not, but half of your listeners are still getting the same paycheck? What’s going on?” Durbin replied.

Viewership has been down for cable news networks. The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday that CNN’s viewership was down 46 percent after the election. The network also saw ratings drop after the 2016 election, the newspaper said.

What People Are Saying

The inclusion of a pay increase for members of Congress in the CR has yielded mixed reactions.

Elon Musk on X (formerly Twitter): “How can this be called a ‘continuing resolution’ if it includes a 40% pay increase for Congress?”

Representative Jared Golden, a Maine Democrat, on X: “We should be working to raise Americans’ wages and lower their health care costs, not slipping new taxpayer-funded perks for ourselves into must-pass legislation behind closed doors. As long as raises and new health care perks for members are in the CR, I will vote against it.”

Qasim Rashid, a former Democratic congressional candidate, on X: “US House is raising their salaries from $174K to $243K to account for inflation & increased living costs. If min wage rose per inflation, productivity, & increased living costs it’d be $27/hr today—instead its $7.25/hr. $20/hr stolen b/c Congress raises their wage—but not ours.”

Jordan Weissmann, Yahoo Finance reporter, on X: “The idea that lawmakers and staffers only deserve minimal salaries unless the public loves the whole institution is part of why the revolving door is such a problem. It’s tired. It’s dumb. Try thinking a step ahead.”

What Happens Next

Congress has until December 20 to pass the CR to prevent a government shutdown just days before Christmas. This CR would fund the government through March 14, 2025.

A vote is expected to be held on Thursday, but it’s unclear if the CR will have enough votes to pass.