OK, genius, if the raise isn't a big deal, why did this vote take place late on a Friday night, when the Senate isn't normally in session? And why was there only 5 minutes of debate on the subject? If they thought they were going to receives bouquets from the masses, why didn't they hold this vote first thing Monday morning?
This is simply further proof that these guys are out of touch with reality. To take any sort of pay raise at a time when many people are losing their jobs shows that Congress, at best, has a tin ear politically, while the worst case would be that they are simply a bunch of elitists (which they are, of course).
BTW, VA, which senator do you work for?
Remember from your book "Constitution for Dummies" that a vote on legislation requires the consent of both houses of congress. Do you remember what time of day the house had voted on this bill?