How will sequester affect congressional staff?

To a story about a bill that would kill a federal pay raise, a reader asked: I wonder if all of the congressional office staff are continuously awarded "merit" pay raises since they aren't getting [cost-of-living allowances]. Someone review how much their office staff pay is compared to the average American. Are they going to sequester 8 percent of their office budgets?

Matthew Weigelt responds: First, congressional staff members do not receive merit pay raises. In addition, they are going through sequestration too. Their office budgets may be hit by as much as 10 percent.

Do congressional staff members make more than private-sector workers based in Washington? It all depends on your job on the Hill. The Sunlight Foundation has some good data on 2009 salary numbers. A congressional chief of staff in the House of Representatives makes roughly $136,920 while a company chief executive makes $189,790. A legislative director earns $85,912 while a general manager at a company earns $128,300. Who makes more varies from there down to the lowest rung of the House member's office staff.

You can read the Sunlight Foundation's full report here.

Commenting on the same article, another reader suggested some civil disobedience: I think every civil servant across the country should call in sick on the exact same day and then Congress will see what a true government shutdown is all about. It would spur contractors not being able to go to work, federal buildings being closed, no border security, no food inspectors, no air transportation, etc. Then maybe they will put a little more stock in what we really contribute to this country.

Matthew Weigelt responds: That's an interesting take, although I can't advocate every fed calling in sick. Some advice though, if you do it: Make sure your sick day proves your job cannot be done without you there.