Members of Congress have given themselves a $34,000 annual subsidy for expenses such as meals, travel, and housing.
The measure, seen as a pay raise, has been criticized, particularly as many lawmakers are already incredibly wealthy.
Both Democrats and Republicans have taken advantage of the program, with some millionaire members benefiting from it. (Trending: Donald Trump Loses His Cool At High-Stakes $250 Million Trial)
“Recipients of these funds include at least 17 millionaire Democrats, including Rep. Katie Porter, who reported a net worth of up to $1.8 million in her latest financial disclosure, and House Minority Whip Katherine Clark (D., Mass.), who boasts a net worth of up to $13.5 million,” the The Washington Free Beacon noted.
The subsidy was initiated due to complaints from younger members of Congress, including Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), about the high cost of living in Washington.
Notably, AOC lives in a luxury apartment building with a rooftop swimming pool situated in an idyllic D.C. location. (Trending: Federal Court Rules Against Gun Owners)
The move has sparked debate and raised concerns about optics, especially given the economic challenges faced by many Americans.
“You can have a good public policy debate on whether congressmen should be paid more in order to attract a better bunch, and you could have a reasonable debate on inflation adjustments, but it really ought to be done in public,” former Republican Rep. Moe Brooks of Alabama said.
“That’s my biggest beef.”
Most Popular:
Donald Trump Cannot Hide His Wrongdoings Behind Taunts And Threats
Court Smacks Down Ivanka Trump’s ‘Undue Hardship’ Claim
Miss Israel Exposes Oppression in Gaza
