Posted on 04/04/2014 4:23:37 PM PDT by Sub-Driver
Lawmaker calls Congress 'underpaid', objects to salary freeze Photo 6:12pm EDT
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. lawmakers have quietly gone along with an annual salary freeze since 2010, but a Virginia Democrat has had enough and said members of Congress are underpaid.
Representative Jim Moran, who is not seeking re-election in November, has objected to fiscal 2015 spending legislation that calls for another pay freeze for Congress, keeping lawmakers' salaries at $174,000 a year.
"I think the American people should know that the members of Congress are underpaid," Moran told CQ Roll Call, a congressional newspaper and website. "I understand that it's widely felt that they underperform, but the fact is that this is the board of directors for the largest economic entity in the world."
He said that in Washington, D.C., where housing is expensive, some lawmakers live out of their offices to save money, while maintaining homes in their legislative districts. Others live in tiny one-room apartments.
Moran intends to offer an amendment to the Legislative Branch appropriations bill that would provide a per diem allowance for lawmakers to help cover Washington housing costs.
A Moran aide said this would not affect the congressman personally given his plans to retire and because the close proximity of his suburban Virginia district means he does not need a second residence.
"Mr. Moran wants to ensure Americans aren't priced out of holding elected office in Congress by the cost of maintaining a separate household in one of the most expensive housing markets in the country," the aide said. "The job shouldn't be limited to those who can afford the cost of living in DC."
(Excerpt) Read more at reuters.com ...
“”lawyers always think they’re overworked and underpaid.””
The only profession that can send out bills and not produce a thing...write letters, send faxes, make phone calls all resulting in a monthly bill to a client without a resolution!
he’s not running again, so who put him up to this?
Well Jim let’s talk about all the Bennies
Insider trading info
The best healthcare available
Retirement after what 6 years
Free global travel and meals
Ability to pocket campaign cash after calling it quits
Go whine somewhere else..
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