When we helped elect Cong. Ann Kirkpatrick in 2008, we knew we were backing a candidate set on putting constituents ahead of herself. And it turns out that's exactly what we got.

Today, Ann announced her sponsorship of a bill to reduce congressional salaries by 5 percent, the Taking Responsibility for Congressional Pay Act. If the bill passes, member salaries would be cut for the first time since 1933, when they were reduced during the Great Depression.

Here's what Ann had to say about the bill:

"Families across the country are getting by on lower wages and finding ways to cut back during the downturn, and these are the folks that pay our salaries. The federal government’s budget is in much worse shape, so why shouldn’t senators and representatives have to feel the same pinch?”

“We are facing a historic challenge, and it will take historic action to get the job done. It has been 77 years since Congress’ last pay cut – I believe we are long past due for another."

There's a great piece on Rep. Betty Sutton (OH-13) in The Plain Dealer today, highlighting the "cash for clunkers" program she spearheaded in Congress.

Betty, who won an open-seat race with EMILY's List support in 2006, has quickly become a leader to watch in Congress, passing legislation in support of veterans, fighting food safety concerns, and making headlines with "Cash for Clunkers." The program, which was recently renewed by Congress after a remarkably successful start-up, aims to provide consumers with the resources to purchase needed vehicles during tough economic times.

"Though it's called the CARS Program, it's really about people," Sutton told The Plain Dealer.

While she's been hard at work for her constituents, Betty has also been impressing her colleagues along the way. Some praise from the article:

"Some people hit the ground running, but Betty Sutton hit the ground running at 1,000 miles per hour," observes Rep. Chris Van Hollen of Maryland, who heads the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.

"When she sets her mind on something, she achieves it," says Toledo Democratic Rep. Marcy Kaptur, the longest-serving member of Ohio's congressional delegation.