Natalie Gonnella
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After weeks of dramatic debate, poor approval ratings and the threat of fiscal default, an overwhelming majority of Americans feel that until the federal budget is balanced elected leaders are in need of serious cut in pay.
According to the latest telephone survey from Rasmussen Reports
82% [of Likely Voters] believe members of Congress should take a 25% pay cut until the federal budget is balanced. Only 14% disagree.
In August of last year , 75% of Likely Voters said more generally that Congress should cut its own pay until the federal budget is balanced.
Nearly half of voters (48%) also believe the president should take a 50% pay cut until the federal budget is balanced. But 41% don’t share that view, while 11% more are undecided.
And when it comes to federal pensions, Americans remain less than impressed. Overall, regardless of whether the budget is ever balanced, almost two-thirds of voters don't believe lawmakers should receive a government pensions upon leaving office. And when it comes to the Commander in Chief just over half of Americans are also against the nearly $200,000 a year pension granted to US presidents.
Interestingly, although there is no partisan disagreement over whether Congress should take a pay cut, when it comes to the president, 57% of Democrats think a reduction in revenue is a bad idea.
As Washington prepares for the next phase of the budget battle, the full results of latest Rasmussen survey are available to view here.
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