Murphy votes to block Congressional pay raise

Congressman Scott Murphy, who represents New York's 20th Congressional District, voted in favor of a bipartisan bill today that stops the automatic pay raise of members of Congress.

In a press release, Murphy said his vote represents common sense.

"Instead of giving ourselves pay raises during these tough economic times, Congress should be focusing on creating jobs and helping the economy get back on its feet."

The statement notes that in 1989, Congress approved a process that gives lawmakers automatic pay raises unless representatives vote them down.

Some members of Congress are calling for the 1989 measure to be scrapped altogether. The few that rejected today's bill claim that some representatives aren't wealthy and require the mandated raises.

Congressmen and Congresswomen make approximately $174,000 annually.