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Taxpayers and Private Groups Pay for Congress's Globe-trotting Over Memorial Day

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Jobina 7:41PM December 22, 2009

Thank you for this fine article. Many of these responses indicate people are comprehending what is really happening inside the Beltway. Whether this is a mountain or molehill isn't the point. It is only a snapshot of the excess and abuse occurring everday at the taxpayers' expense. The whole portfolio is tantamount to a nightmare!
As for those who don't have a problem with this, perhaps voting for the lesser of two evils is your preference? My suggestion is don't deride those who think outside the box and vote for third party candidates. It is imperative to recognize all the problems in our government and NOT be dismissive of them. Voters should NOT accept the evil of two lessers and validate the type of corruption outlined in this article.
Indeed, term limits are essential. Here's a plan: 2 terms for Senators and 6 terms for Representatives. A dozen years is ample time to productively serve the public.
Meanwhile, saavy journalists and readers shall continue to lead you to the water in hopes that someday you'll drink it. Otherwise, enjoy the steady diet of coolaide the two major parties, the Republicans and the Democrats, are feeding you, the voting taxpayer, while they enjoy the finest wines in Rome, etc.

Boniface of MD 6:25PM July 27, 2008

If you want to see what the net worth of our poorly paid congressmen/women is go to http://www.sunlightfoundation.com and click on icon that reads "Fortune 535, Running the numbers on Congressional New Worth." You can look up net worth of congressment/women by state, individual, richest or poorest. In many ways these individuals are the best money can buy.

wadagi of FL 10:52AM July 26, 2008

This article is bemoaning molehills while ignoring the MOUNTAINS of corporate excess in the private sector rob shareholders and customers to line their deep pockets. Remember Dennis Koslowski, Ken Lay, Al Dunlap, Michael Eisner, Michael Ovitz? They are only the ones who got caught, either by the law or the media spotlight - tip of the iceberg. And then a $20K junket to Rome is dwarfed by the multibillion dollar unnecessary wars the Bush family is so eager to engage our armed forces in. There are far more important issues to be addressed than who got what junket and whose wife got to come along for the ride...
If we are to attract talent into federal government, there needs to be some sort of reward, like lavish business trips. Right now, the pay is too small for many of the executive and legislative positions. This results in rather untalented people, like George W Bush, running for president nowadays. That position in particular needs a pay raise. The head of state in tiny Singapore makes a million a year. We should copy that to lure more talented people into running for office.

bicyclistNY of NY 10:44PM July 17, 2008

Great Rpeorting!
If the Aspen Institute, a non profit corporation, funds junkets for Congressional
members, including family, to offshore exotic locations, wouldn't you think that
the taxpayers have a say in the matter, since contributions to non profits are
deductible for tax purposes Talk about pigs at the trough. The acceptance of such junkets ( which are sought ) readily finds a need; and taking their family can fetch an excuse,e.g, that a babysitter couldn't be found; or that a wife feels abandoned for five days,
You would think the the American economy would be benefited, if such conferences were held within the United States. And since the American taxpayer, pays the salaries of the Congressional members, shouldn't those moneys for the junket ( Congressional member and accompanying family member ) be repaid back to the taxpayer. If you do not understand the point, go back to to whence the money came.
The Congressional members demonstrate that junkets should be secret; including the Aspen Institute. The American taxpayer would really not have the proliferation
of troughs to evolve, in addition, pickpockets. Some of the beneficiaries even bang the drum for transparency, but not in this court.
Great Article! Thanks!

Diogenes76 of 8:00PM July 17, 2008

BY THE TIME THESE PEOPLE GET TO WASHINGTON, THEY HAVE HAD THEIR HANDS IN OUR POCKETS FOR SO LONG THAT, I SUSPECT THAT THEY THINK IT IS NORMAL WELFARE. THEIR ONLY WORRY IS RE-ELECTION.

FRANK of CA 6:26PM July 17, 2008

They only make $169,300/year. If you ever go on to a conference/convention through your company/organization it's the same thing. You attend at the organizations expense & enjoy some R&R on the side. Paying for spouses is questionable though, but I'd rather they take their wifes/husbands than creat an international prostitution incident!

MJ of NC 5:48PM July 17, 2008

I have never taken only given to this outrageous government that these radical Senators and Congressmen have created for themselves. The one from my state should be ashamed to go on these trips after the way he lied and promised to change the way Washington does business. He's nothing more than a true politician. Don't anyone believe that they will change anything if elected. They are solicitors at election time then go about business as usual. There are so many of them if someone was honest and tried to change corrupt ways they wouldn't have a chance with so many 'politicians' standing in the way. How could you? I say get a whole new batch in there every 4 years and make them accountable for what they do or no retirement!! That may fix a few things. If they don't accomplish anything they should pay their salary back! If I don't do my job, I'll most likely be fired, so what makes them any different?

BL-MO of MO 2:50PM July 17, 2008

These people are criminals. They are stealing our money for themselves and their families. I am especially dissappointed in Waxman. But I guess if you are in the 'club' you have nothing to worry about. It really is the end of democracy in this country. Shameful.

David of TX 1:29PM July 17, 2008

These people are all very well-heeled and have no need to take money from you and me for travel, lavish or otherwise. Even those bills paid for by lobbyists cost us money in the higher costs of their products/services passed on to the consumer due to their costs. These trips are free for our free-loading Congressmen and Congresswomen (pc), but they are far from free for the American taxpayer.
How can we get rid of all of these extreme overexpenditures so that we can get control of our finances and pay off the Chinese before they call the debt in?
GET RID OF ALL OF THEM. Do NOT vote for anyone currently in the Senate or the House.
Continuity? We want continuity of this kind of elitism and abuse?
Think of 2 things Congress has accomplished since Nancy and Harry and their liberal buddies took over. Hmmm...
1. Raised the minimum wage.
2.

maryo of NC 1:18PM July 17, 2008