CNN anchor Jim Acosta laughed at an “unreal” alternate between Manu Raju and Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL) over a congressional pay carry that became a brutal zingfest.
Congress is negotiating a huge stopgap funding invoice that includes the first pay carry for lawmakers in fifteen years.
On Wednesday’s version of CNN Newsroom With Jim Acosta, the anchor hosted Raju to talk about the latest tendencies, which integrated a short however hilarious hallway exchange in which Raju and Durbin took turns trying to pwn each and every other:
JIM ACOSTA: Needless to say part of this yr and spending package deal, the stopgap continuing resolution, as it’s known as, it appears has a provision in there that provides lawmakers their first pay raise on account that 2009. Is that proper? What’s the newest on that?
MANU RAJU: Yeah, From what we take note, this can be a huge invoice, roughly 1500 pages that got here out simply the day past. They’re seeking to jam this thru Congress by the tip of the week to prevent a govt shutdown.
This might prolong funding except mid-March, but it also includes a complete wide selection of other considerations, one of which is to extend the contributors pay for has now not been elevated seeing that 2009, however the language in there would permit them to get their first pay raise when you consider that then.
At this time, contributors make the rank and file make about $174,000 a 12 months. I simply caught up with Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin about this issue. I requested him if it used to be appropriate for lawmakers to provide themselves a lift.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
MANU RAJU: The participants are giving themselves a pay raise. Do you guys deserve a pay carry?
SEN. DICK DURBIN: Neatly, that’s news to me. It’s excellent news! (LAUGHTER) You know, what’s it been ten years or 14 years and no COLA? No alternate at all. I believe it’s about time something’s carried out.
MANU RAJU: You support giving yourselves a pay raise.
SEN. DICK DURBIN: Neatly I don’t recognize what it’s. How would I no longer know about a pay elevate–?
MANU RAJU: However I mean, folks take a look at the efficiency of Congress, say, why must we supply them extra money?
SEN. DICK DURBIN: What in regards to the media? Consider that for a 2nd.
MANU RAJU: We’re not paid by using public money.
SEN. DICK DURBIN: I know you’re now not. But I imply, 1/2 of your listeners are usually not there anymore. You’re nonetheless getting the identical paycheck? What’s occurring?
MANU RAJU: Well, I imply, you’re taxpayer cash, I imply, do you guys deserve a carry?
(END VIDEO CLIP).
MANU RAJU: And Durbin primarily mentioned that, yes, they should supply themselves a lift. And it also was impressive, Jim. He wasn’t mindful that this used to be in the provision and he’s the quantity two Senate Democrat.
Simply shows you the way this used to be negotiated among a handful of participants. And so they’re going to need to vote on this. And individuals will actually need to have time to learn it either, Jim.
JIM ACOSTA: Unreal! But Manu, I’ve to assert, you’re worth each penny! Manu Raju up on Capitol Hill. (LAUGHTER) Thank you. (LAUGHTER) Thanks very so much.
Watch above by means of CNN Newsroom With Jim Acosta.
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