Cashing In On Ethics

Congress may get a pay raise in exchange for major reforms

Last February Congress tried to give itself a hefty raise by playing the political equivalent of three-card monte: let the 51% increase recommended by a special commission go into effect, then appease constituents by voting against it, and keep the cash. But scandal-weary voters saw through the game, and the pay hike for Congressmen, federal judges and skilled federal employees died a humiliating death. Ever since, the search has been on for a more palatable proposal. Last week there were indications from House Speaker Thomas Foley and aides to President Bush that new ideas for boosting top Government salaries were in...

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