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:
Not! Representatives of the people are not supposed to representatives to get rich.
What about a raise for our Senior Citizens
Really Jason???
With all the payoffs they get they need to reduce their salary.
Lol give all Americans 2500a month see what happens.. Give it to congress nothing changes. Bahahaha what a joke glad he is leaving.. DRAIN the Swamp
Greedy
No they don’t, they need to get paid based on what they get done!!
Only very wealthy can afford a house in DC area. Prices are outrageous.
Not until they pay social security back, they don’t. AND GET TO WORK! You know, that thing your there for?
They want a raise and Americans can’t get a tax break!!!! What a jerk this guy is, both republicans and democrats are crooked!!!