Former and outgoing members of Congress from both parties have expressed concerns about the financial burdens they face despite their six-figure salaries, acknowledging that their constituents do not want to hear complaints about money. Many lawmakers struggle to maintain two homes, pay for travel expenses, and cover other costs associated with holding office, leading some to suggest that the congressional pay rate should be adjusted to keep up with the rising cost of living. Some representatives have even resorted to sleeping in their offices or having roommates to save money.
The inability to write off or be reimbursed for expenses incurred while traveling to and from Washington, DC, has been cited as a significant financial burden for some members of Congress. Lawmakers such as California Democratic Reps. Tony Cardenas and Anna Eshoo have pointed out that the high costs associated with serving in Congress could deter individuals from less affluent backgrounds from running for office. They question whether the House of Representatives will continue to be a place where all people, not just the wealthy, can serve.
The issue of lawmakers engaging in stock trading has also been raised, with reports that some members of Congress have outperformed the stock market with their own investments. Calls for increased transparency and ethical standards have followed revelations that some representatives, such as Sen. Dianne Feinstein and former Sen. Jim Inhofe, had sold stocks ahead of market downturns. While some lawmakers deny that Congress is corrupt, others, like Sen. Ben Cardin, acknowledge that there are corrupting influences within the system.
Concerns about the influence of money in politics have been raised by various members of Congress, with many calling for campaign finance reform and stricter regulations on lobbying. Lawmakers such as Rep. Derek Kilmer, who co-chairs the Fix Congress Committee, point to the need for changes to reduce the impact of special interests and fundraising requirements on lawmakers’ decisions. The practice of buying committee seats through fundraising efforts was highlighted as a particularly concerning aspect of the current system.
Some lawmakers have suggested that one way to reduce the financial strain on members of Congress is to encourage more familial relationships between members by relocating their families to Washington, D.C. This approach, according to Sen. Tom Carper and others, would lead to a less divisive atmosphere among lawmakers from different parties. By creating opportunities for social interactions and building relationships, the hope is that there would be less animosity and greater cooperation within Congress.
Efforts to improve the functioning of Congress and address some of the underlying issues facing lawmakers, such as financial burdens and ethical concerns, have been made by certain members of Congress. Initiatives like the Fix Congress Committee have proposed recommendations to enhance transparency, reduce the influence of money in politics, and foster a more collaborative atmosphere among members. While the challenges facing Congress are significant, there is optimism that positive changes can be achieved through bipartisan efforts to reform the institution.
