WATCH: Democrat Senator, CNN Reporter Get Into Heated Confrontation: ‘Turning On Each Other’
Democrat Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois engaged in a tense exchange with CNN’s Manu Raju on Wednesday, pushing back against media scrutiny over a potential congressional pay raise by questioning the media’s own performance and viewership. The heated back-and-forth occurred after Raju asked Durbin about reports that lawmakers were considering a pay increase for the first time in over a decade.
“Members are giving themselves a pay raise — do you guys deserve a pay raise?” Raju inquired.
Durbin, appearing caught off guard, responded, “Well, that’s news to me. It’s good news. Has it been 10 years or 14 years? No COLA, no change at all. I think it’s about time something’s done.” COLA refers to cost-of-living adjustments, which have not been applied to congressional salaries for years.
But the exchange turned sharp as Raju pressed further, asking whether Congress’s performance justified a pay raise at all. “People look at the performance of Congress and say, ‘Why should we give them more money?’” Raju asked.
Durbin, turning the question back on the media, shot back, “What about the media? Think about that for a second. Half of your listeners are not there anymore, and you’re still getting the same paycheck.”
WATCH:
The remark appeared to reference declining viewership across major cable networks, including CNN, as traditional media outlets face increasing competition from alternative news sources and digital platforms. “What’s going on?” Durbin added.
Congressional salaries have been frozen since 2009, with lawmakers earning $174,000 annually. Efforts to implement raises have repeatedly stalled, largely due to public perception and political optics.
The interaction comes as lawmakers face mounting pressure to address economic challenges while balancing their own financial concerns. Public skepticism toward Congress remains high, with recent polls showing continued dissatisfaction with the institution’s performance.
REACTIONS:
They’re not though. Media outlets are hemorrhaging advertisers and having to lay off employees.
— The Right Answer (@theright_answer) December 18, 2024
It’s like comparing apples to oranges. Not the same at all. The media personnel is getting paid by their private employer, Congress and Senate is getting paid with tax money.
— Becie (@RadianceBrown) December 18, 2024
Two of the least popular teams.
Propaganda Media and the Congress.
— JasonOnBlast (@JasonOnBlast) December 18, 2024
Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.
— Jeremy Carl (@realJeremyCarl) December 18, 2024
— Milktea Alliance 8⃣1⃣7⃣ W.S. (@KamiliaHaraQoo) December 18, 2024