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U.S. Rep. Donna F. Edwards of Fort Washington was the only member of the Maryland House delegation and one of only 15 congressional representatives nationwide to vote for a cost-of-living pay increase for House members.

Edwards (D-Dist. 4) called the measure to deny the COLAs for a third straight year "political theater."

"I voted ‘no' on this resolution, with 14 of my colleagues, because eliminating a $1,600 per year per member cost-of-living adjustment will not make the large-scale changes to our national debt or deficit that are needed," Edwards said of the 402 to 15 vote on April 27.

"I look forward to discussing the real challenges we face, such as out-of-control defense spending and continuing to fund the war in Afghanistan."

Several representatives said it would be wrong for congressional representatives to receive a pay raise while other Americans are struggling to find jobs in a weak economy.

But Edwards disagreed.

"We should address the needs of the American people to create jobs, increase stagnant wages and prepare our work force for the 21st century rather than engaging in political theater," she said.

House members make $175,000 annually.

State Del. Herman L. Taylor Jr. (D-Dist. 14) Ashton, who is expected to challenge Edwards in the Democratic primary, said voting for a pay increase in the current economy sends the wrong message.

"People are getting furloughed," he said. "I took voluntary furloughs along with other state employees. I don't know if it's political theater. I think every little bit helps. It is tight times, and every dollar counts."