And when we say they're spending a grand a month on cars, we mean they're spending a grand a month of your money on their personal vehicles.
The best part of this story being reported by Politico is the fact that most of Congressmen are blaming a rule in the 2007 energy bill that forces them to buy more fuel efficient vehicles. The congressmen also blamed the fact that they must get short leases which raises the cost, an odd argument from people who are essentially professional negotiators.
One congressman is spending $1,279 per month on a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu. That cost includes gas for traveling all over his home state of New Mexico. Sure it's a big,sprawling state, but that's a lot of gas. The article also notes that this congressman is also quite capable of paying for his own vehicle as his own net worth is estimated to be more than $36 million dollars.
inlinesix says:
10:09 AM, 03/15/10
Its good to know that those in authority make sure they have perks. Fuc%ing politicians.
cwmoo740 says:
10:34 AM, 03/15/10
Have you seen their health care packages? No wonder they don't care about passing health care reform for us common people.
wrinklebump says:
10:39 AM, 03/15/10
The current Congress is the most worthless deliberative body in the history of all governments
throwback says:
10:43 AM, 03/15/10
Congressman spending tax payer money on themselves, you don't say. Why should we send more of our tax money to Washington, and allow even more governmental control again?
notabigdeal says:
12:58 PM, 03/15/10
Although I highly disapprove.... at least our congress isn't a fight club.... literally....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Djdy_fhvZuM
I want to see kerry kick browns ass
roadburner says:
06:37 PM, 03/15/10
Right now a "do-nothing" Congress would be a huge improvement.
cr_driver says:
06:55 PM, 03/15/10
At least this thread got me to see some funny judo fights....LOL
firstwagon says:
07:24 PM, 03/15/10
He's worth $36 million but still drives the tax payer funded Malibu? Why??? because it's free? Cheap bugger.
I rented a Malibu and it's a nice car but if I was worth $36 million you wouldn't catch me driving one.
Someone who knows the price of gas there should work out how many miles he would have to drive month to spend $1279. The lease should not be more then $250 to $350/month. That's a huge amount of gas IF that really is what he's spending the money on.
rallyandbosox says:
06:54 AM, 03/16/10
I'm gonna get crap for this but I have a question Ed...are they using their wages to purchase these cars or are they getting reimbursed for the payment of these cars other than their normal stated wages? If they are using their wages, technically everything they spend on including coffee on their way to work could be considered a waste of taxpayer dollars.
No doubt that the government is corrupt and that they are doing nothing to support us common folk in a real capacity but if they are using their salary to lease and/or own cars how is that any different from the rest of us? They are paid much better than I am and if I was paid that much I'd get a nice car too.
brn says:
08:03 AM, 03/16/10
"I rented a Malibu and it's a nice car but if I was worth $36 million you wouldn't catch me driving one."
Maybe that's why he's worth $36M and you're not. :)
"Someone who knows the price of gas there should work out how many miles he would have to drive month to spend $1279. The lease should not be more then $250 to $350/month. "
According to GasBuddy.com, the national average is about $2.80/gal. If you don't have to pay for gas, you drive like it's free (heavy foot, idle all the time, etc) and get 15mpg. That still comes to about 5000 miles per month.
I agree with your underlying concern. These costs don't match up with the vehicles. There's something the article isn't telling us.
hollowtek says:
09:04 AM, 03/16/10
we're paying taxes for this?! i'm so angry i can pull a lee harvey oswald.
jederino says:
01:40 PM, 03/16/10
You could argue that only financially successful people who can pay their own way are qualified to serve. No benefits. Secondly, all financial holdings and deals must be completely blind during their term, and they must be beyond even the appearance of financial stake in any vote or negotiation, or they're out. Then again, so many of them are rich anyway!