Congressman Upset His $174,000 Annual Salary Not Enough To Live 'Decently' In D.C.

Business Insider ^ | 04/04/2014 | Paul Szoldra

[Fresh Wind]

If you think Congress members aren’t well treated, read this...

http://www.senate.gov/CRSReports/crs-publish.cfm?pid=%270E%2C*PL[%3D%23P%20%20%0A

[leprechaun9]

There are millions of American VOLUNTEERS at all levels of government who are more responsive to the American people than most members of both outhouses of the Congress!

It is disgusting to see a crying Q-tip!

[CincyRichieRich]

Doc his pay per salary of each person’s job he destroyed. He owes us $ for being in Congress. To the gulag!

[Daveinyork]

then, stay the hell out of DC. The more time they spend in DC, the more of our money they spend.

[ExGeeEye]

1. Halve their salaries at least;

2. House them in military-style housing like that provided to field grade;

3. Wait a couple terms and see if they don’t term-limit themselves.

[Nip]

For those with short memories and the youngesters on this site.

This is not the first time that Congresscritters have complained about the high costs of living inside the beltway.

I have a very vivid memory from 1978 of a Congresscritter complaining about how difficult it was to maintain two residents - one in his district and one in DC. He too proposed a raise for all Congresscritters plus $ 50.00 per “Congressional Day” tax exemption for all Congresscritters. A “Congressional Day” was defined as any day that any part of Congress held a committee session. So, a properly scheduled session of Congress could provide a tax exemption every day even if the Congress was officially in recess.

What fired me up was that Congress decided that it was 3 times more dangerous for them to work inside the beltway than flying combat strikes in SEA. As a combat flyer I got a $ 500 per month tax exemption for every month I actually flew combat, one sortie or 30.

If Congress needs more money to live inside the beltway I suggest they first make use of all available government resources. This includes field conditions - a GP medium tent per Congresscritter, field showers and field mess. Then, since government quarters and meals are provided there is no additional per diem provided. If its good enough for our military, then it should be good enough for Congresscritters! After all they both serve the Republic and their service is critical to the Republic’s health. It’s only fair.

[Nifster]

explains much

[JimRed]

So, do what working people who can’t afford to live where they work do; live where you can afford to and commute to work!