Jason Chaffetz thinks federal lawmakers need a massive monthly stipend added to their $174,000 annual salary in order to cover housing. Unsurprisingly, he’s making this call just days before he exits Congress.
The timing is no accident. Politicians tend to speak with more honesty when they’re lame ducks — and they honestly believe that they deserve more money.
Part of the desire for more cash is ego, but part of it makes a bit of sense. Being a member of Congress is expensive, considering that members are expected to live in the state the represent while they work in Washington D.C. This requires either two mortgages or a rental or two just to work. It’s not uncommon to hear about many representatives sleeping in their offices to avoid the added expense their job requires.
But that doesn’t alleviate the fact that Americans are in no mood to hear them ask for more money when they already make so much — particularly while their approval ratings are so low and so many Americans are trying desperately to find good paying work.
Jason Chaffetz is on the way out, though, so he doesn’t mind the optics.
See how much more money he thinks his fellow lawmakers need on the next page:
No they don’t, they need to EARN what they receive NOW!!
F**k you
I thought I liked the way this man thought but now has gone the way of all the others
They need to work 300 days a year
YOU DON’T DESERE S**T
No more raises until they actually do their job!! Show up to 100% of the votes!! If not no way
My$#%&!@*. Live on your salary just as normal people do.
Tell me this is a joke. Do what average Americans do. Do without fool.
We cannot afford a raise for them.
No raises. Congress should get paid an hourly wage. Since they are off work more than they are on. Only receive a pay check only if they get legislation passed that is good for America. I’m tired of lazy politicians that are in office to only obstruct. You get work done then you get paid. No more vacation until work completed!!!