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:
I agree
He’s full of it. Most Americans can barely afford one house and he is asking for more money so he can get a place he can take his girlfriend. He can’t take her home, his wife would get pissed.
Hahaha. They need a cut in pay because they are doing nothing but trashing trump
No you guys need to have pay cut in half, take away benefits and put you guys to part time considering you guys are on vacation more than in office.
He’s an idiot
No they do not earn what they get paid now and should have to give most of it back.
f**k off you scum.
Throw him out
Raise for a do nothing congress
No