Quixotic Bid to Boost Lawmakers' Pay Falls Short

A retiring congressman has lost his quixotic bid to give members of Congress $25 a day to help with their living expenses in Washington.

Democrat Jim Moran of Virginia offered the plan as a replacement for the cost of living increase that would be denied lawmakers under legislation heading to the House floor later this spring.

The House Appropriations Committee rejected Moran's measure by a voice vote as it debated the congressional budget.

Members of Congress earn $174,000 a year and are supposed to receive annual cost of living pay raises.

Lawmakers have voted for five consecutive years to deny themselves the raise.

Moran _ a 12-term lawmaker who's retiring at year's end _ says Congress is at risk of becoming a bastion for the wealthy.