This idea, I think, is kind of symbolic.
I’ve lived in DC a long time. Staffers are paid starvation wages. The country is run by 20-somethings with low wages.
Congressmen don’t make a lot. Federal employees, however, are cradle-to-grave comfortable.
It’s the perks related to power that makes them well-off. But salaries?
Glenn Reynolds’ idea is better — if they become lobbyists, 50% of their salaries will be taxed.
Congressmen get perks that compensate for many monetary expenses. Problem is the housing is sky high in Northern Virginia and the commute is a nightmare.
The salary of a congressman varies. Rank and file members of both the House and the Senate make a salary of $174,000 annually. The Speaker of the House makes $223,500 annually and the House Majority and Minority leaders both make $193,400 annually. In the Senate, the Majority and Minority leaders also make $193,400 annually. Add their perks and if they can’t live off that...tough. They should take a cut.