Lawmakers honor staffers at Notable Staffers event, propose 5% salary increase

On Thursday, a bipartisan group of lawmakers honored congressional staffers at The Hill’s annual Notable Staffers event. Senators Cynthia Lummis (R‑Wyoming) and Cory Booker (D‑New Jersey), along with Representatives Jamie Raskin (D‑Maryland) and Bobby Scott (D‑Virginia), led the tribute. They highlighted the essential work of staffers who keep Congress running day‑to‑day, from drafting legislation to managing constituent services and overseeing procedural compliance.

The event comes amid growing concern over staffing shortages and budget cuts that have strained Congress’s ability to function efficiently. Over the past year, the House and Senate have seen a 12% turnover rate among aides, and several key committees have struggled to fill vacancies. Congressional leaders are now debating new appropriations that would raise staff salaries and expand benefits, arguing that a well‑paid, stable workforce is critical for effective lawmaking. The Hill’s recognition of staffers underscores the often invisible backbone of Congress that has been underappreciated in public discourse.

During the ceremony, 23 staffers were featured on the Notable Staffers list, and the event included a panel discussion on career pathways, a photo exhibit, and a presentation of a new grant program to support staff training funded by the Congressional Budget Office. Senators Lummis and Booker praised the “grit and hard work” of the aides, noting that their dedication has kept the legislative calendar on track even during a pandemic and a midterm election cycle. Representative Raskin highlighted a staffer who managed the House’s COVID‑19 response, while Representative Scott emphasized the importance of diversity among staff teams. The event also announced a bipartisan initiative to increase staff salaries by 5% and expand health‑care benefits, which lawmakers say will help retain experienced aides.

Looking ahead, the lawmakers plan to introduce a bipartisan bill that would codify the salary increase and broaden benefits for all congressional staff. The Hill will publish a follow‑up report on staffer compensation trends, and Congressional committees will review the new grant program’s impact on training and retention. If passed, the legislation could set a new standard for congressional staffing and signal a broader shift toward investing in the workforce that keeps Capitol Hill afloat.