U.S. Congressman Joe Donnelly announced Friday his plan to return his $4,700 pay raise, effective Jan. 1, to the United States Treasury.

"It wouldn't be right for me to accept this raise while the country faces such a difficult economic situation," quoted Donnelly in a press release. "I will be sending my pay increase back to the Treasury."

Members of Congress automatically receive a pay increase each year unless they act to block the raise. The annual increase is based on a Treasury Department formula used for federal employees.

Donnelly has opposed all three pay increases since being sworn into office in January 2007.