I believe George Washington actually rejected the notion of Congress and the presidency receive any pay at first. He was then convinced otherwise when it was explained to him that only the wealthy will serve in congress and/or the presidency if one does not receive a paycheck. Washington, was the richest president in history, i 've been told, when you adjust his net worth for inflation. However, he supposedly spent a great deal of his own money paying for the revolutionary war. Always respected him for that.

Anyhow, I believe, that congressmen/women should not receive a pay rate larger than the median american salary, They should also have the same health benefits as the rest of the country and have to rely on social security for retirement. Furthermore a law should be made making it illegal to serve in congress at the same time you have money in the stock market.

I think that full financial disclosure of all candidates should be mandatory for every year they serve in office.

U.S. Congress salaries and benefits have been the source of taxpayer unhappiness and myths over the years. Here are some facts for your consideration.

Rank-and-File Members:
The current salary (2013) for rank-and-file members of the House and Senate is $174,000 per year.

During the Constitutional Convention, Benjamin Franklin considered proposing that elected government officials not be paid for their service. Other Founding Fathers, however, decided otherwise.
From 1789 to 1855, members of Congress received only a per diem (daily payment) of $6.00 while in session, except for a period from December 1815 to March 1817, when they received $1,500 a year. Members began receiving an annual salary in 1855, when they were paid $3,000 per year.

Congress: Leadership Members' Salary (2013)
Leaders of the House and Senate are paid a higher salary than rank-and-file members.

Senate Leadership
Majority Party Leader - $193,400
Minority Party Leader - $193,400

House Leadership
Speaker of the House - $223,500
Majority Leader - $193,400
Minority Leader - $193,400

Members of Congress are also provided with an annual allowance intended to defray expenses related carrying out their congressional duties, including "official office expenses, including staff, mail, travel between a Member's district or state and Washington, DC, and other goods and services.


Riddle me this: Why do politicians spend millions of dollars for election to a job that pays $174,000. per year?

I think that full financial disclosure of all candidates should be mandatory for every year they serve in office.

You forgot to mention how they are exempt from social security and pay 1% of theirs for a luxury income of not less than $40,000 a year or so for just a short time in Congress. The highest social security is about $2,400 x 12 = 28,800 a year....

I thought they received 100% pay for life?