Benefits paid and salary given to Representatives and Senators of US Congress is a constant source of debate, fascination and of course, fake news among the public. Well let me give you an example, an email has been sent across the states stating:
“Many citizens are clueless that members of the Congress can retire on the same pay after just taking a single term”.
Most of the citizens aren’t quick to jump to conclusions because it’s just dead wrong. Yet another infamous email which demands passage of mythical Congressional Reform Act claiming that members of the Congress aren’t paying their Social Security taxes which are just wrong. The salaries and the benefits of high-profile people working for the US congress have been taxpayer’s unhappiness and at the same time, myths throughout the years. To help clear out some things, here are quick facts for your peace of mind as well.
As of 2019, base salary for all file and rank members of US House and Senate is at the range of 174k dollars annually excluding benefits. The salary has not seen any increase since ten years. In comparison to the private sector wages, the wages of members of the Congress are lower than most of the midlevel executives as well as managers.
Increase of Pay
The members of the Congress are also candidate to receive same yearly cost of living increase given to any other federal employees. The raise will automatically take effect on January 1 of every year. Not unless the Congress voted to decline it through passage of joint resolution as what it had done back in 2009.
It’s just a Myth
You might have read or heard that Members of the Congress aren’t paying Social Security. Well the truth is, this is fake news. If you want to know the real score here, you can check out Gunbot review for additional information.
However, members of the Congress are given with yearly allowance that is designated to defray any expenses that are related in performing their duties. This includes:
- Official office expenses
- Paying for staffs
- Doing mails
- Traveling between district and state members
