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:
you deserve absolutely nothing, you expect so much for doing so little
Build them a dorm and if they choose not to live in it then they’re on their own!
He’s gotta be joking!
Oh, for Pete’s sake. Buy your own since most of you end up as millionaires.
No. We do not owe you anything but a basic salary to live on.
No. You knew what you were getting into when you ran. Obviously, you may be the only one there who hasn’t stolen from the tax payers. Sorry, but no. Redo one of the tons of empty buildings the government owns into one bedroom apartments. Nothing fancy. That will do b
congressman should not be in office long enough to need a second home.
How about congressmen working for nothing … like Trump does.
Better yet let make all Senators and House members stay in an apartment complex where its is run by HUD and bills paid. While they are in Washington they have 1 or 2 bedroom apartment. No maid service, no cooks, can not bring their families to stay with them. They are there to work nothing else. Remember Senator we the people can make it harder on you than you can make it on us.
NO WAY!!!! Nobody asked you to take the job!!!! Put your big boy pants on and get to work for the PEOPLE!!!!