Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT) is giving away the annual pay raise he received to charity today. The Transportation/Treasury/HUD appropriations bill raised Congress' pay by $3,100 this year. A number of Representatives, including Matheson, are making a point of giving away their pay raise to charity, to demonstrate that their priorities lie with investing in America as opposed to continually increasing their own pay during a time when Congress is straining to cut down spending on programs. (Note: Matheson's salary has increased by $24,000 since he took office in 2001). “If there was ever a time for shared sacrifice, this is it,” said Matheson in a statement. “I know eliminating the pay raise doesn’t mean much in terms of dollars, but it is the right thing to do.”