Part 4/6:
Critics have labeled the decision to insert a pay raise as "political malpractice." The argument posits that including a pay raise amid discussions of fiscal responsibility is a tactless move that could entrench opposition from conservative factions, particularly the MAGA base that thrives on curtailing government spending. The mechanism for congressional pay adjustments, tied to a cost-of-living increase akin to Social Security adjustments, adds a layer of complexity to the discourse; while it may be technically accurate to label it as a "cost-of-living adjustment," the public perception often circles around the notion of a direct pay raise for lawmakers.