Congressional Pay and Perks

Congressional Pay and Perks, part of the Government Series from TheCapitol.Net

Congress is required by Article I, Section 6, of the Constitution to determine its own pay. Allowances are available to Representatives and Senators to support them in their official and representational duties as Members. These allowances cover official office expenses, staff, mail, and other goods and services.

Congressional pensions, like those of other federal employees, are financed through a combination of employee and employer contributions. After Members of the House leave office, they are afforded certain courtesies and privileges. Some are derived from House Rules, but many are courtesies that have been extended as a matter of custom. Former Representatives who become lobbyists have limited privileges.

Summary Table of Contents

Ch. 1. Salaries of Members of Congress: Congressional Votes, 1990-2009," by Ida A. Brudnick

Ch. 2. Salaries of Members of Congress: Payable Rates Since 1789 and Recent Adjustments," by Ida A. Brudnick

Ch. 3. Congressional Salaries and Allowances," by Ida A. Brudnick

Ch. 4. Legislative Branch Staffing, 1954-2007," by R. Eric Petersen

Ch. 5. Retirement Benefits for Members of Congress," by Patrick J. Purcell

Ch. 6. Brief Facts About Congressional Pensions," by Patrick J. Purcell

Ch. 7. Selected Privileges and Courtesies Extended to Departing and Former Members of the House of Representatives, by Mildred Amer

Ch. 8. Former Speakers of the House: Office Allowances, Franking Privileges, and Staff Assistance, by Matthew Eric Glassman

Ch. 9. Franking Privilege: An Analysis of Member Mass Mailings in the House, 1997-2007, by Matthew Eric Glassman

Ch. 10. Congressional Official Mail Costs, by Matthew Eric Glassman

Ch. 11. Franking Privilege: Historical Development and Options for Change, by Matthew Eric Glassman

Ch. 12. Members of Congress Who Die in Office: Historic and Current Practices, by R. Eric Petersen and Jennifer E. Manning

Ch. 13. Congressional Deskbook: Ch. 1, "Being a Member of Congress," by Michael L. Koempel and Judy Schneider

Ch. 14. Congressional Deskbook: Ch. 5, "Supporting Congress: Allowances and Staff, by Michael L. Koempel and Judy Schneider

Ch. 15. Congressional Deskbook: Ch. 6, "Supporting Congress: The Capitol Complex," by Michael L. Koempel and Judy Schneider

Ch. 16. Resources from TheCapitol.Net

Web page: FAQ: Pay and Perquisites of Members of Congress
www.CongressPay.com

Capitol Learning Audio Course

Congressional Pay and Perks, ISBN: 1587330873

What Your Member of Congress Can Do for You: Gallery Passes, Flags, Presidential Greetings, and Help with Federal Agencies, ISBN: 1587330733

Live Training

Understanding Congressional Budgeting and Appropriations
www.CongressionalBudgeting.com

Advanced Federal Budget Process
www.BudgetProcess.com

The President's Budget
www.PresidentsBudget.com

Capitol Hill Workshop
www.CapitolHillWorkshop.com

17. Other Resources

Links to much more information about Congressional pay and perquisites, including link to complete Table of Contents, is available at www.CongressPay.com