Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) came under fire during a recent exchange with CNN’s Manu Raju over a proposed provision in a 1,500-page stopgap funding bill that would grant members of Congress their first pay raise since 2009.

The provision, part of a bill designed to prevent a government shutdown, has sparked controversy as lawmakers face criticism for their perceived lack of accomplishments.

The incident occurred during an appearance on CNN’s Newsroom with Jim Acosta, where Raju pressed Durbin on whether Congress deserved a raise while many Americans remain dissatisfied with the legislative body’s performance.

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The proposed bill would extend government funding until mid-March but includes several contentious measures, including the pay increase for lawmakers.

Raju detailed the situation, explaining that rank-and-file members of Congress currently earn $174,000 annually.

The proposed increase, buried within the expansive bill, has drawn criticism for being negotiated behind closed doors, with little input from or awareness among rank-and-file members.

When questioned, Durbin admitted he was unaware of the provision.

In the exchange, Raju asked Durbin directly about the pay raise:

Manu Raju: “The members are giving themselves a pay raise. Do you guys deserve a pay raise?”

Sen. Dick Durbin: “Well, that’s news to me. It’s good news! (LAUGHTER) You know, what is it been ten years or 14 years and no COLA? No change at all. I think it’s about time something’s done.”

Raju followed up, asking whether Congress’s performance justified additional taxpayer dollars:

Manu Raju: “But I mean, people look at the performance of Congress, say, why should we give them more money?

Sen. Dick Durbin: “What about the media? Think about that for a second.”

When Raju noted that the media is not funded by taxpayer money, Durbin responded:

Sen. Dick Durbin: “I know you’re not. But I mean, half of your listeners are not there anymore. You’re still getting the same paycheck? What’s going on?”

Raju pressed further, but Durbin deflected, acknowledging he was unaware of the provision’s specifics. “How would I not know about a pay raise?” Durbin asked, highlighting the lack of transparency in the legislative process.

The exchange raised concerns about the bill’s contents and how they are negotiated.

According to Raju, the provision underscores a larger issue within Congress: major decisions are often made by a select few, leaving many lawmakers uninformed until the last minute.

Raju remarked that even members of Congress likely will not have sufficient time to review the bill before voting on it.

The proposed pay raise has drawn backlash from critics who argue that Congress’s inability to address significant issues, such as border security and government spending, does not warrant additional taxpayer-funded compensation.

The debate comes amid broader dissatisfaction with Congress’s overall performance and priorities.

As the deadline for a government shutdown looms, the controversy over the pay raise provision adds another layer of complexity to an already fraught legislative process.

Whether the provision remains in the final version of the bill will depend on the outcome of ongoing negotiations.