The Nation - News from May 20, 1988

The House approved, 277 to 104, a $1.4-billion spending bill for the legislative branch, which would increase spending by Congress and its agencies by 1.6% above current levels. The House rejected several amendments aimed at freezing or cutting costs, accepting only a symbolic $5-million reduction in its estimated postage costs. The House Appropriations Committee estimated that Senate spending would add $413 million to the total. The bill did not address the question of pay raises for members of the House and Senate, leaving that until later in the year, when President Reagan makes his annual recommendation.