Retiring House Republican says $174,000 isn't enough money for members of Congress: 'Most of us don't have wealth'

Business Insider ^ | 1/9/24 | Bryan Metzger

[cotton1706]

That probably seems like a decent amount of money, and it is: the median household income in 2022 was $74,580, according to the US Census.

However, consider that members of Congress generally have to maintain two residences — one in Washington, DC, and one in their home state — and that they haven't gotten a raise since 2009.

Meanwhile, inflation has eaten away at the value of that salary over time: if lawmakers' salaries had kept pace with inflation, they would be paid over $250,000 today. Rep. Patrick McHenry, a North Carolina Republican who served as the interim speaker of the House following Kevin McCarthy's ouster, told The Dispatch that congressional pay needs to be raised in order to attract "credible people to run for office."

[Degaston]

Good riddance. They are public servants. Their focus should be on serving their country for a short period of time and then going back home to live by all the laws they mandated for everyone else.

[Degaston]

Good riddance. They are public servants. Their focus should be on serving their country for a short period of time and then going back home to live by all the laws they mandated for everyone else.

[socal_parrot]

My old congressman did not maintain a residence in DC. He slept in his office and showered in the House gym to make ends meet. He kept a jar of peanut butter and a loaf of bread in his office for meals.

[Tolerance Sucks Rocks]

No sympathy. I only earn 1/3 that. They can stuff it.

[dennisw]

“He’s been there for almost 20 years. It’s not supposed to be a career you bow-tie wearing jackass.”

20 years. His pension will be $100000 is my guess. He can probably start collecting it soon at age 55. He is almost 50 years old.

He can work another job while receiving his Congressional pension.

[Reverend Wright]

“In mid-2000, Karl Rove hired McHenry to be the national coalition director for George W. Bush’s 2000 presidential campaign. In late 2000 and early 2001, he was a volunteer coordinator for Bush’s inaugural committee. After working for six months in 2001 as a special assistant to Elaine Chao, the United States Secretary of Labor, McHenry returned to North Carolina and ran again for the North Carolina General Assembly, winning in the 2002 election.”

---

this guy is everything what is wrong with professional politicians.

[nutmeg]

Kudos to her for voting the right way and speaking the right way nonetheless.

Yes, kudos to Debbie Lesko for that.

Thanks for your reply. Sorry to see her go! Do you think a decent conservative can win her seat? I have no idea if she is in a 'safe' district.

[LS]

It emcompasses West Phx and part of Glendale reaching to, I think, Sun City. It’s competitive, probably slightly R, not heavy MAGA. Currently it looks like Abe Hamedah has the edge.

[Gaffer]

They all should be housed in a military dorm at the DC Arsenal, required to eat in the mess hall and bused to and from Congress to WORK each day they’re in session. Then flown back home when not in session.