Chief Justice Says Judges Need Raises

Americans who still have jobs know it’s a really bad time to ask the boss for a raise, but that didn’t stop Chief Justice John Roberts. In his 2008 Report on the Federal Judiciary, Roberts renewed his request for Congress to approve cost-of-living raises for federal judges.

"I suspect many are tired of hearing it, and I know I am tired of saying it, but I must make this plea again -- Congress must provide judicial compensation that keeps pace with inflation," stated the Chief Justice in his report. "Judges knew what the pay was when they answered the call of public service. But they did not know that Congress would steadily erode that pay in real terms by repeatedly failing over the years to provide even cost-of-living increases."

For 2009, all federal employees -- except judges -- received cost-of-living raises. Members of Congress received the standard 2.8 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), equating to a raise of $4,700 for rank-and-file members. Senators and Representatives now make $174,000 a year, compared to $163,900 for federal district judges. Chief Justice Roberts makes $217,400, while his Associate Supreme Court Justices make $208,100.

A 30-percent pay increase for the federal judiciary recommended in 2008 by House and Senate committees has yet to be acted on by the full Congress, to which Roberts notes, "Congress has still failed to complete action on that crucial remedial legislation, despite strong bipartisan support and an aggregate cost that is miniscule in relation to the national budget and the importance of the Judiciary's role."

As Judge Roberts stresses in his report, the judiciary does represent quite a governmental bargain in the context of today’s $1.2 trillion budget deficit. The entire judicial branch consumes only 0.2 percent of the total annual federal budget.

So why do some members of Congress continue to resist raises for federal judges? Already among the highest paid federal employees, federal judges serve for life, and can retire – with their full salary – after 15 years of service. Not un-sweet.

Also See:
Duties of the Chief Justice of the United States
Salaries and Benefits of U.S. Congress Members
Congress Getting a Pay Raise – How About You?