Pelosi Made Repeated Requests for Military Aircraft

Platapus · 03-14-09, 01:35 PM

On a somewhat related topic

I have never understood the rational that a member of Congress HAS to maintain two residences. One in DC and one in their home state.

Who says they have to?

Many members of Congress CHOOSE to maintain two residences. Well that is their choice and as such I don't see any reason why the taxpayers need to foot the bill.

When I was in the military I was moved to other states. Could I have charged the military double allowances because I NEEDED to maintain residences not only in my state of reference but also in my state of duty?

But then who decides what the rules and perquisites are for Congress? Congress.

Who provides oversight over Congress? Congress.

Who controls the money spent for these perquisites? Congress

Ya know, this congress gig is starting to sound like a pretty good racket.

Enigma · 03-14-09, 02:28 PM

Always has been. They give themselves raises, for chrissakes...talk about conflict of interest!

Platapus · 03-14-09, 02:32 PM

Legally, they can't give themselves a pay raise. Any pay raise passed would only apply to the following congress.

Practically, however, since there is a 90% + re-election rate in congress, they are, in effect, voting themselves a pay raise.

Conflict of Interest?

Legally no
Practically yes

03-14-09, 01:35 PM	#1
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,399 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	On a somewhat related topic I have never understood the rational that a member of Congress HAS to maintain two residences. One in DC and one in their home state. Who says they have to? Many members of Congress CHOOSE to maintain two residences. Well that is their choice and as such I don't see any reason why the taxpayers need to foot the bill. When I was in the military I was moved to other states. Could I have charged the military double allowances because I NEEDED to maintain residences not only in my state of reference but also in my state of duty? But then who decides what the rules and perquisites are for Congress? Congress. Who provides oversight over Congress? Congress. Who controls the money spent for these perquisites? Congress Ya know, this congress gig is starting to sound like a pretty good racket. __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

03-14-09, 02:28 PM	#2
Enigma The Old Man Join Date: May 2005 Location: At comms depth, obviously. Posts: 1,476 Downloads: 7 Uploads: 0	Always has been. They give themselves raises, for chrissakes...talk about conflict of interest! __________________ "Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it." -Mark Twain

03-14-09, 02:32 PM	#3
Platapus Fleet Admiral Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 19,399 Downloads: 63 Uploads: 0	Legally, they can't give themselves a pay raise. Any pay raise passed would only apply to the following congress. Practically, however, since there is a 90% + re-election rate in congress, they are, in effect, voting themselves a pay raise. Conflict of Interest? Legally no Practically yes __________________ abusus non tollit usum - A right should NOT be withheld from people on the basis that some tend to abuse that right.

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