It's fair to remember, when you hear that members of Congress are paid $174,000 a year, that many of them are paying to keep up a home in their district and a place to live in Washington, D.C., where the rent may not be at Manhattan or San Francisco levels, but is still quite high. Many of them are doing that, but not all. Recent election cycles have seen longtime senators get in trouble for living in the D.C. area and not keeping homes in the states they represent, but the reverse seems to be more common: House members who
sleep in their offices.
The dozens of members who sleep in their offices are, in effect, spending their weekdays in 100 percent federally subsidized apartments.
They are not charged any rent. They receive no utility bills. They don’t pay for the daily cleaning services. Microwaves and refrigerators have been installed in most suites. There’s a half bathroom connected to each personal office, and the showers at the members’ gym open at 5:30 a.m.
In short, lawmakers who choose their offices as their crash pads are getting a valuable government freebie — worth 10 percent or more of their $174,000 annual salary.
Is it admirable fiscal responsibility, showing that they're not living in the lap of luxury and that they're not creatures of Washington but rather are at home in their districts? Or is it hypocrisy that these overwhelmingly Republican congressmen are living off the government beyond just their paychecks? Though it must be said that not paying taxes on a benefit is totally in line with their politics, and finding ways to benefit themselves while blocking policies that would help others better afford their rent is the Republican way. One thing it is either way, though, is potentially awkward for staff:
For many staffers, the situation isn’t so great. Sometimes arriving for work early and encountering the boss before he’s brushed his teeth is just awkward. Other times, it’s arguably a hostile work environment when you’re forced to confront the pajamas and mussed hair of some of the most important policymakers in the land.
Be right back, going to bleach that image out of my brain.