The Cost Of Congress (UP UP UP!)

http://www.cncnews.org/news/congress-operating-costs-skyrocket

Some highlights;

- Senators and representatives’ salaries and benefits: $126 million, up 23.5 percent.
(I would take just a 5% increase, but like most midlle class, I have been losing ground since 2000)

- Expense allowances for Senate leaders: $180,000, up 99 percent since 2000.

- Senate officers: $178.98 million, up 99 percent.

- House leadership offices: $25.88 million, up 82 percent.

- Other House officers: $198.30 million, up 120 percent.

- Senators’ personal offices: $422 million, up 75 percent.

- House members’ personal offices: $660 million, up 62 percent.

- Architect of the Capitol salaries: $106.78 million, up 118 percent.

- Capitol Police salaries: $265.18 million, up 237 percent.

- Capitol Police general expenses: $63.13 million, up 860 percent.