Why do congressmen/women get paid forever even if they only work for 4 years if elected?

Question

Im disgusted that congressmen/ women get a salary ( and a big salary at that!) even if they are voted out after one term of office. No other job is like that! You all should be ashamed of yourselves.

Answer 1

Hi Bill,

It's not that great a salary -- really. You have to remember, members are setting up two households -- one in Washington and one in their home districts.

I don't know how well you know Washington, but believe me when I tell you, it is one of the most expensive cities on the face of the earth; the housing costs there are nothing short of insane. And there are additional expenses as well.

While Congress pays for a number of trips back to members' home districts, the average member of Congress uses up the Congressional allotment in the first year -- everything else comes out of the member's pocket.

Seriously, 165K a year may sound like a lot; but it really doesn't go far when you consider the costs incurred.

And as for their pensions, it's not as simple as you're making it out to be. To be sure, it's sweet, but not quite as sweet as you're reporting. Here's a link for you.

Cheers.

http://www.c-span.org/questions/weekly68.htm

Answer 2

Because they gave themselves the right to write their own salaries, benefits and job descriptions and we keep voting them into office.

Answer 3

Because when they are all finished jetting around the country on the taxpayers dollar, they just can't bring themselves to get an honest job again. It's tough for crooks to go straight!

Answer 4

They are not paid a salary. They are receiving a pension. Remember, they vote themselves such benefits no other Americans have, including paid in full health care. We must tolerate it because we keep them in office.

Chow!!

Answer 5

Also keep in mind they work 3 days a week.

Answer 6

Because they legislate the laws for their own benefit. Clear and simple.