Jason Chaffetz thinks federal lawmakers need a massive monthly stipend added to their $174,000 annual salary in order to cover housing. Unsurprisingly, he’s making this call just days before he exits Congress.
The timing is no accident. Politicians tend to speak with more honesty when they’re lame ducks — and they honestly believe that they deserve more money.
Part of the desire for more cash is ego, but part of it makes a bit of sense. Being a member of Congress is expensive, considering that members are expected to live in the state the represent while they work in Washington D.C. This requires either two mortgages or a rental or two just to work. It’s not uncommon to hear about many representatives sleeping in their offices to avoid the added expense their job requires.
But that doesn’t alleviate the fact that Americans are in no mood to hear them ask for more money when they already make so much — particularly while their approval ratings are so low and so many Americans are trying desperately to find good paying work.
Jason Chaffetz is on the way out, though, so he doesn’t mind the optics.
See how much more money he thinks his fellow lawmakers need on the next page:
Um no you don’t. You cant even do your job properly. And as one of your many Bosses you nake more than enough now.
Good thing he is retiring. They deserve a decrease for not supporting our president.
They make good money plus all the crooked money they pocket so no this is crazy
No. Social security didn’t get one.
Absolutely not
You all deserve a damn demotion and reduction of pay…How about america would settle for a break from hearing you all whine and cry while fighting each other
What’s wrong with him? I thought he is a good one, no wonder his resignation. Very glad it is Gowdy now though.
I think social security seniors should get a sizeable raise since they haven’t had 1 dime in 8 yrs. It’s criminal that people are getting as that never put a cent in it. Congress has raided it time after time.
What?
I think he needs a boot in the butt and a loss of benefits and pension.