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 don’t think so they want the constituents to pay for for a second house they only work one one third to one half of the year we have people that can’t hardly afford one home .
Try a budget like we have to do
No & they get everything paid for please then they make millions on shady deals please
Everyone of Americas citizens should receive the salary, health care insurance, retirement packages, benefits and extra perks that congressmen and women get so that too can pay for a second home.
Stop insulting the American public and do the job that you were voted in to do.
I beg to differ with you I didn’t read what you said, but on face value NO raise for any one in fed government from the top to the bottom you all are not doing your job can’t reward for doing nothing
50% reduction, not a measly 10%
Into Congress does some work and puts more time in DC they don’t deserve anything.
No
That’s because they get in over their head with mansions etc ! How about live within your means , like every American has to do !!! Oh yeah and like Seniors !!! in Washington they all make good money and perks healthcare etc ! No raise!!!###
They only work 147 days out of a year.
No more raises until they work 40 hrs week, and have 2 weeks vacation.
They can go home and pander on their own time.