Congressman's Pay and Benifits

The race for Congress is getting pretty intense around the nation, and sometimes people ask me what Congressman get paid and what benefits they get. They're substantial, so I'll run them down for you.

First, Congress sets its own pay and benefits, although under the 27th Amendment, passed in 1992, any compensation increases they pass don’t go into effect until the next election (although that's not really a big barrier though, since the re-election rate for incumbents is about 90% for the House and 80% in the Senate).

Congressman earn $162,000, with annual cost-of-living increases, with leadership positions earning more more. Expenses related to job are reimbursed. They get free use of government transportation (jets, cars, etc). Free publication and distribution of government records, maps, pamphlets. Franking privilege (free postal mail to constituents back home). Fully equipped offices in DC and in home district or state. Pagers, cell phones, internet access, and other technology provided. A considerable amount of funding is available to hire staff to support them. Free unlimited long-distance telephone service. Generous tax exemptions and IRS help with tax returns. Free hospital visits, legal counsel, photography services, car washes, and potted plants. Low cost life insurance, barber and beauty shops, gym and fitness facilities, and cafeteria services are provided. Oh, they get to park in special places when they drive.

Perhaps the biggest benefits though of being a Congressman are their health care plan, where for a modest premium members enjoy the best possible health care in the world, or their pension plan, which estimates that a member who serves several years in Congress will be paid $50K a year thereafter.

Oh, and after a member retires or gets kicked out of office, they can easily get a job lobbying their former friends and colleagues and make millions that way.

Yeah, being a Congressman is a good gig.

Suggested book to read related to this post: Congressional Pay and Perks: Salaries, Pension and Retirement, Franking, Travel, and Other Benefits for U.S. Senators and Representatives