In tight times, Congress boosts its budget

Source: Politico

Congress is on the verge of giving itself a bump in its annual budget — even as local governments, families and businesses across the country are tightening their belts in the worst recession in decades.

Under a House-Senate conference measure, approved by the House last week and poised for passage in the Senate on Wednesday, spending for the legislative branch will increase 5.8 percent this year, boosting Capitol Hill’s annual budget to $4.7 billion.

The measure includes a hodgepodge of new funding for lawmakers: a $500,000 pilot program for senators to send out postcards about their town hall meetings, $30,000 for receptions for foreign dignitaries and $4 million for consultants — with Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) getting up to nine each and Senate President Pro Tempore Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) getting up to three more.

There’s $15.8 million for salaries for the Senate Appropriations Committee — plus an extra $950,000 for the committee’s administrative expenses..

Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0909/27732.html#ixzz0ShBMv0Zc


Read more: http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0909/27732.html

:grr:

that states that congress can't raise their pay or budget until the national budget is balanced and the national debt is paid off.

These people are fucking out to lunch.

that states that when congress raises their pay or budget the minimum wage goes up by the same amount?

However, I think the first step that's needed is to have the minimum wage be a real living wage, not just the minimum that you can pay people before there is mass revolt.

to be debated on and approved in Congress?

The first step is voting for representatives who would have the ethical standards to do it.

... again proving that all they are interested in is money.