We need to show the American people we are willing to sacrifice, Matheson said during debate on his proposal to turn down the pay hike. Let us send a signal to the American people that we recognize their struggle in today's economy.

As in years past, his effort was voted down by a vote of 235-170. The provision in the Transportation, Treasury, and Independent Agencies spending bill gives House members an automatic raise of about $4,000 unless they vote to reject it.

Each year since he was elected, Matheson has argued that members should reject the increase, but each time he has failed.

Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, voted with Matheson to reject the raise. Rep. Chris Cannon, R-Utah, was in Utah with his family arranging treatment for a daughter who has cancer and did not vote.

Matheson said that, as he has done in years past, he will be donating the money from the pay raise to Utah charities.

Debate on the $90 billion spending bill dragged on into the evening, as House members argued over technical and procedural disputes with the legislation. The bill funds the Federal Aviation Administration, the Internal Revenue Service, the Federal Election Commission and Treasury Department efforts to track terrorist funds.

- Robert Gehrke