Chaffetz: Members Of Congress Should Receive $2,500 Housing Allowance

[DonViejo]

By ESME CRIBB Published JUNE 27, 2017 11:02 AM

Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT), who is resigning from public service for a job in the private sector, on Monday said members of Congress should receive a monthly stipend to cover the cost of living in Washington, D.C.

“I really do believe Congress would be much better served if there was a housing allowance for members of Congress,” Chaffetz said in an interview with The Hill. “I think a $2,500 housing allowance would be appropriate and a real help to have at least a decent quality of life in Washington if you’re going to expect people to spend hundreds of nights a year here.”

Chaffetz said his base congressional salary of $174,000 a year is “handsome” but that he “flat-out cannot afford a mortgage in Utah, kids in college and a second place here in Washington, D.C.”

The Deseret News in 2008 estimated that Chaffetz, newly elected to Congress, had a net worth of up to $5.6 million. OpenSecrets.org, a campaign-finance watchdog, estimated Chaffetz’s net worth in 2012 at $788,507.

more
http://talkingpointsmemo.com/livewire/jason-chaffetz-congress-housing-allowance

[Raster]

5. Yes indeed... ask your "owners" for a raise...

...you know, like real people have to ask their bosses for.

[Lee-Lee]

2. Maybe if you banned all other work, lobbyist gifts and the rest

I could see a stipend if you banned all members of congress from holding any other paid positions or jobs and from taking any lobbyist gifts and expected them to be dedicated 24/7 to the one job of legislating.

[gratuitous]

3. Wow, just wow

The man really has no idea, does he?

[GatoGordo]

4. $174,000 doesn't go very far in Washington

Fortunately, the bribes, kickbacks and payoffs from lobbyists helps make ends meet.

[unblock]

29. the $5.6 million net worth doesn't hurt, either....

[riversedge]

42. looks like he made about $5M during 4 years in Congress. whow.

[unblock]

47. Entirely ethically and legally, I'm sure

[sandensea]

51. I wonder if he did it the same way Bitchy Mitchy did.

https://www.thenation.com/article/mitch-mcconnells-freighted-ties-shadowy-shipping-company/

[SweetieD]

6. Unbelievable. Nt

[MineralMan]

7. Move into the Homeless Shelter, Chaffetz.

I think you can afford to live in DC. Forget it.

[karadax]

8. Do what other congressmen / senators do that don't have a trust fund..

Sleep in your office !

[awesomerwb1]

9. They really don't give a f*ck do they?

Poor little jasoninthehouse. "To have at least a decent quality of life in Washington".

Hello lobbyists.....take us out to lunch more often.

[lpbk2713]

10. Don't like it? Don't take the job.

Stay home and find something else to piss and moan about.

[Leith]

11. Chutzpah Chaffetz - New Meme

He's got his damn gall.

Edited to add:
Do something for the DC children living in poverty first.

[Fresh_Start]

12. We should go all out for congress...

build them a dormitory
and force them to room with a congresscritter of the opposite party.

Heck maybe we can find a private prison near DC and have them in shared cells with a communal shower. We can even provide them with matching clothing.

[CurtEastPoint]

13. Get their Russian friends to build some fucking dorms for these douchebags.

[MattP]

14. This idiot kept his stipend and slept in his office

These critters make millions in office then bitch about paying rent

[global1]

15. Yeah - A $2500/Mo Housing Stipend For Congress While They Deny Health Insurance For 22 Million.....

Americans. That's fair!!!!! (sarcasm)

[smirkymonkey]

20. The nerve of these asshats!

I can't believe they can say these things with a straight face!

[NCTraveler]

16. How Your Retirement Package Compares to Members of Congress

While extending the payroll tax cut through the end of last year, members of Congress last fall took what many feel was a long overdue whack at the cost of their retirement plan. They bumped up the rate at which federal employees contribute to their pension plan, saving an estimated $15 billion over the next 11 years.

They also made sure that none of the increase applied to themselves. Anyone in service before the law went into effect would pay into the pension plan at the old rate.

For all the talk you hear from Capitol Hill about running government more like a business, Congress has a retirement plan that would make any Fortune 500 executive blush. Members can retire younger, having contributed fewer of their own dollars, than almost any worker in the country — even more than the generous terms other federal workers get.

At a time when traditional pensions are disappearing and many workers are struggling to save for retirement, the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS), an old-school defined benefit pension program, pays 215 former congressmen and women an average of $39,576, for an average of 16 years of service, according to a recent Congressional Research Service report.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/100546584

How Are the Benefits? For Members of Congress, Not Too Shabby

In a down economy, a good benefits package can be hard to find.

But on Capitol Hill, a 401(k) and health plan are just the beginning. The hundreds of candidates vying for a coveted congressional seat this November will earn more than a chance at shaping the nation's legislative priorities if elected -- they'll tap into a mountain of perks that most Fortune 500 companies couldn't begin to rival.

A little-known benefit drew some attention Wednesday after it was reported that the family of the late West Virginia Sen. Robert Byrd will be paid his $193,000 salary next year. That's just the tip of the benefits iceberg that comes with being a venerable member of Congress.

For those entering any of the 535 seats in Congress next year, here's a glance at the world of juicy perks coming their way:

http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2010/09/29/benefits-members-congress-shabby.html

I still wouldn't be opposed to a stipend of $2500 per month that could only be used for rent. In fact, I think they should call it Federally Subsidized Congressional Housing Program. One can use up to $2500 per month toward rent and rent only. It should be public knowledge if a congressperson is on subsidized housing. If all members of the house used the program it would come out to just under 1.1 million per year.

[atreides1]

17. I agree

From their states in the case of senators, while representatives get that stipend from their districts!

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

27. Screw that. No taxpayers should have to fund a "housing allowance"

for their representatives. Let them start a GoFundMe campaign; better yet, if they can't afford the job, don't take it.

[atreides1]

45. Okay!

Those without families can be housed in unused barracks space located at the military bases in the area...they would be on a secure facility, room and board(that they would have to pay for), access to all areas where a military ID card isn't required for entry...a shuttle bus service to their offices in D.C.(which they would also have to pay for)!




By the way taxpayers already fund a housing allowance for military personnel!

[TeapotInATempest]

18. Cry me a river

Being an elected representative is supposed to be a public service, not a get rich quick scheme. If you can't hack it, don't run for office.

And at the very least, you could actually try representing the interests of the people of your district, instead of ripping them off at every turn and then asking for more money to do it.

[NightWatcher]

19. Maybe dont ask for a government handout the same week you take away healthcare from 23 million

Looks tacky, dipshit.

[smirkymonkey]

25. Yes, his timing is indicative of the fact that he has very poor judgement

and no compassion. Hey Chaffetz, go fuck yourself!

[itsrobert]

21. Trumps plan would be

House them at Trump Post Office Building at the Trump special rate that screws the taxpayers.

[marylandblue]

22. I'd be okay with the allowance if

Congress was in session 5 days a week, 50 weeks a year.

[exboyfil]

23. My suggestion is the following

Congress members are required to sleep in a dorm type setting three nights a week (Mon, Tues, and Wed). Monday and Thursday are travel days back to their districts (this may have to be adjusted somewhat for Hawaii and Alaska representatives).

They should be required, if at possible, to share a room with a member of the opposite party.

Except for family vacations (two times a year) or family emergencies/events (like graduations and weddings) they must remain in their district over the weekend.

When Congress is not in session they must be required to staff a certain percentage of time where they will see constituents (on a random basis if necessary) by appointment. They must be in their districts at least a set percentage of time. They must attend Townhall events during this time.

[spanone]

24. don't take the job if you don't like the salary.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

26. If you can't afford to be a Congressperson, don't run for Congress.

It's like any other job. If it doesn't offer the salary and perks you want or feel you need, don't take it.

[Flaleftist]

32. Several sleep in their office

They have a gym and showers. I'm not sure about the cafeteria hours, but many make it work. It isn't a job only millionaires can afford to take. They can probably live better having to sleep in their office than number of their constituents.

[Flaleftist]

28. I'm surprised Trump isn't offering

free suites at his DC hotels for congressmen who vote the way he wants.

[Initech]

30. Aren't they supposed to be the party of no entitlements and handouts?

[LOL Lib]

33. LOL

Handouts are OK if you are a Jesus loving Republicon.

[LOL Lib]

31. Fuck him. Let him live in a roach motel.

Maybe he should pass on getting a new iPhone every 6 months and use that money for shelter? That would easily cover a few nights at the local motel 8. Better yet, why doesn't 2 Scoops just let all the congress critters live in his hotel for free?

[Orrex]

34. Jason Chaffetz can go fuck himself

And if you see him, please tell him that I said so.

[atreides1]

35. Well

1. He can always rent
2. His kids should get jobs to help with their college tuition
3. If she doesn't have one, perhaps his wife might consider getting a job

As for spending "hundreds of nights" in Washington...the number is closer a little over a hundred, but not much!!!

[delisen]

36. Self-Absorbed Representative Chaffetz seeks handout from taxpayers

[bdtrppr6]

37. Giant Brass Balls

that need to be clanged like one of those desk toys. what an asshole.

[delisen]

38. Possible we could agree to build a Congressional Hostel in D.C

We could provide tours of homeless shelters, and other places and services which should be of interest to people passing legislation.

[MineralMan]

56. There are several fine homeless shelters in DC.

Maybe an SRO long-term hotel or two, too. I'm sure there are affordable apartments in some parts of the city, as well. They could share, four to an apartment perhaps.

Here's a link to send to Chaffetz. this organization has over 500 SRO rooms available. I'm sure they're very nice...

http://some.org/services/affordable-housing-for-single-adults/

[babylonsister]

39. Rec'd for visibility.

I can't even fathom this...the gall.

[Proud Liberal Dem]

40. But

I thought that our country is broke. I mean, Republicans are constantly harping on cutting spending (on social programs), preventing new social programs from being created, reducing the national debt/deficit!!! Yet, wealthy SOBs like him need taxpayers to subsidize their housing now, too? Geez! Such hypocrisy and shamelessness.

[Tiggeroshii]

41. He's such a good fucking guy. Real good guy

[SDJay]

43. He Better Ask Putin For a Raise.

Or get a second job. Or work harder. You know... pull himself up by his bootstraps instead of being a fucking moocher welfare king.

Is it stupidity, rampaging hubris, cognitive dissonance, an utter disregard for humanity outside of themselves? Any or all of these? I honestly can't even compute this idiocy.

[pangaia]

44. I, Me, PANGAIA, should have a $2500/mo stipend.

Don't you think.. JASON ????

You with the little dick !!!

[delisen]

46. I suggest a reverse section 8 voucher for housing in poor neighborhood.

This might lift up poor neighborhoods in DC, since some lobbyists would also move in to rub elbows with representatives.

[Warpy]

48. Fuck you, Jason

Kid, if you can't get it together to find housing in DC on the amount of money you're sucking out of the public trough every year plus what you're getting through all those juicy insider stock tips Congress gets, the problem is you and perhaps you need someone to help you with a budget. After all, most people in DC are managing their lives on a quarter of what you're paid.

Remember, child, you're not supposed to be trying to keep up with the Kochs. You're there to serve the voters. You know, those little people who live in post WWII shacks and dress out of Walmart and drive old cars because you're holding their wages down.

And if you still can't manage to cope, it's time to quit. Don't let the door smack ya...

[Thrill]

49. From the guy who told you to choose Healthcare or an IPhone

Talk about out of touch

[demtenjeep]

50. yea, I would love my job to pay my rent to mother fucker

I hate all these repuke mother fuckers

[MontanaMama]

52. Didn't these ass hats

take away a $500 tax deduction for first time homeowners this past January? I'm pretty sure...So, NO Jason. Fuck you and go away.

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

53. What a horse's ass!

[procon]

54. Then do like the rest of us mortals and get a 2nd job, or take out a loan,

max your credit card, collect and sell recyclables, mortgage your house, start selling off your extra stuff, cancel all your entertainment feeds, sell your home and live in your car, when things get really tough you can sell your blood or maybe a kidney.

Seriously dude, your salary is more than three times the amount of money that most U.S. household earns, so why should the taxpayers foot the price of your posh downtown DC digs? You're trying to rip us off because according to the Library of Congress, the House of Representatives only averages 138 legislative work days a year. Yeah, let that sink in, Chaffetz and his pals work about one day out of three and spend the majority of their time back home.

[trueblue2007]

55. NO, this is BULL you know what.

NO, this is BULL you know what. Our PIECE OF CRAP politicians make $175,000.00 a year & don't even work FULL TIME !

THEY ARE WEALTHY to the max! If they can't afford to live in WA DC, then they can quit !!!

[3catwoman3]

57. "...if youre going to expect people to spend hundreds of nights a year here.

Hundreds of nights? HUNDREDS?

Jason must not have been a math major.

Boo-fooking-hoo.

[Solly Mack]

58. Damn

[Tatiana]

59. Get roommates.

Several Congresspeople used to do this to maintain a shared residence in the DC area. Is this no longer practiced?

No housing allowance for these do-nothing Republican members of Congress.

[octoberlib]

60. Republicans love socialism if it helps them or corporations, don't they?

I'd actually be okay with this if a Dem had introduced it because it is hard for some of the non-millionaires to maintain two residences. You shouldn't have to be a millionaire to be able to afford serving the people. But if Dems had introduced this bill everybody on Fox news would have a collective stroke.

[left-of-center2012]

61. I weep for him.

He wants a $2,500 a month housing allowance for members of Congress.

I live on $1,300 a month Social Security.

[Goodheart]

62. Isn't he the asshat who said people should give up their phones in order to buy health insurance?