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:
Why don’t we build them dorms in DC?
I saw the news story on tv, and this article is bunk. he referenced himself, making his pay, sending it home to pay bills, and having to live on a cot in his office. I don’t think they need more money, after all, that is the life they choose. I just wish politicians worried more about our money, and our life.
What BS!
If congressmen can not live on 174000 wages there to stupid to be in office .
We will be happy too, right in the middle of your poorest district so you can get a taste of reality.
IN A Doublewide
Screw Him
I use to like him NOW he is just one of them
Why will that stop them from stealing money from the taxpayers to pay for them?
YOU DIDNT TAKE JOB TO BE RICH