OPINION:
Over the past 11 years the House has been in session (i.e., to work) 142 days a year. That’s 223 days off. The Senate has averaged 162 days of work a year, which is 203 days a year off.
The 2018 salaries for freshman members of Congress in both chambers is $174,000 annually. That equals $1,074 to $1,225 a day. An average citizen who can work just a five-day work week with only one job and no overtime works 250 days a year and receives two weeks off for vacation, if allowed.
Members of the House have more than adequate time off each year to take care of personal obligations, including vacation and running for another political office, if they desire. I see absolutely no reason for additional time off for campaigning — unless they forfeit their salary for the day(s) missed.
I think all House members who miss a scheduled vote should forfeit a day’s salary for being absent from their assigned duty/job.
“We the people” pay the House members’ salaries and have been shortchanged by this irresponsible conduct. A team functions as one unit only when all are present and working toward the end goal of mission accomplishment. We don’t just have a house divided, we have a house in shambles.
We are supposed to have senior leadership in each chamber of the House. Where is it?
MASTER SGT. ROGER HORNER
U.S. Marine Corps (retired)
Collinsville, Okla.
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