Increase Congressional Compensation for Integrity and Dedication (Pay Congress More)

Liberty Election Reform & Political Integrity
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Title: Congressional Compensation Reform Act (CCRA)

Introduction:

The Congressional Compensation Reform Act (CCRA) aims to address the perceived and potential conflicts of interest within the U.S. Congress by significantly enhancing the financial incentives for elected officials to focus solely on public service. This proposal suggests that by elevating the salaries of Congress members, the motivation to engage in corrupt practices or pursue financially rewarding activities outside their legislative duties can be reduced.

Policy Objectives:

  1. Enhance Congressional Focus: Ensure that members of Congress concentrate on legislative duties without financial distractions.

  2. Reduce Corruption: Decrease the incentive for engaging in corrupt practices or seeking financial gain through legislative influence.

  3. Promote Public Service: Attract competent and ethical individuals to serve in Congress, viewing it as a viable long-term career.

  4. Implement Ethical Safeguards: Introduce stringent ethical reforms to prevent conflicts of interest.

Key Provisions:

1. Salary Increase:

  • New Base Salary: Set the annual salary of members of Congress to $500,000. This figure is designed to be competitive with top-tier private sector positions, reflecting the national importance and responsibility of the role.

2. Mandatory Term Limits:

  • Senators: Limited to two full terms (12 years in total).
  • Representatives: Limited to six terms (12 years in total).

3. Ban on Stock Trading:

  • Legislative Mandate: Members of Congress, their spouses, and their dependent children are prohibited from trading stocks or securities.
  • Allowance: They may only invest in blind trusts managed by an independent third party, with no influence from the member or family.

4. Revolving Door Prohibition:

  • Post-Congress Employment: A mandatory 5-year cooling-off period before a former member can engage in lobbying activities or work for industries they legislated over during their term.
  • Lobbying Ban: Permanent ban on lobbying for any industry or entity that was significantly influenced by legislation they helped enact.

5. Retirement and Benefits:

  • Retirement Plan: A government-managed pension plan similar to the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), with benefits proportional to years of service, but only accessible after serving the maximum term limits.
  • Health Benefits: Continuation of federal health benefits, but tied to term service, not employment post-Congress.

6. Ethics and Oversight:

  • Establishment of an Independent Ethics Commission: This body would oversee compliance with these new rules, with the power to audit financial dealings and investigate potential breaches.
  • Annual Financial Disclosure: Enhanced transparency through detailed annual financial disclosures, including all assets, liabilities, income, and potential conflicts of interest.

7. Public Accountability:

  • Performance and Accountability: Introduce periodic public assessments where Congress members must report on their legislative activities, focusing on how they’ve served their constituents’ interests.

8. Implementation:

  • Phase-In Period: The salary increase and all provisions would be implemented gradually over four years to allow for adjustment and to mitigate immediate public backlash.
  • Legislative Delay: The salary increase will not take effect until after the next general election following the bill’s passage, in line with the spirit of the 27th Amendment.

Rationale:

  • Economic Justification: High compensation models in corporate governance suggest that well-paid executives are less likely to engage in corrupt practices due to the secure financial status.

  • Ethical Imperative: By removing financial incentives for corruption through high salaries and stringent ethical regulations, the integrity of the legislative process is expected to improve.

  • Public Perception: Addressing the perception of Congress as a stepping-stone to lucrative private sector roles can rebuild public trust.

Challenges and Considerations:

  • Public Acceptance: The increase must be carefully communicated to the public to be seen as a means to enhance governmental integrity rather than a self-serving action by Congress.

  • Cost to Taxpayers: The financial implications need to be balanced against the potential long-term savings from reduced corruption and more effective governance.

  • Legal and Constitutional Issues: Ensuring the policy aligns with legal frameworks, particularly regarding the 27th Amendment and existing ethical guidelines.

Conclusion:

This policy proposal seeks to revolutionize the way we compensate and regulate our elected officials in Congress, aiming for a government that is more focused, ethical, and dedicated to public service. By aligning financial incentives with public interest, the CCRA could pave the way for a new era of political integrity in the United States.

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No way! In an average year Congress spends 140 days in session and makes $174,000 (more if they are on certain committees), while American workers average 260 work days with an average income of $114,500.

In addition to their salaries Congress has some great perks! 1) Their pension plan vests after 5 years and begins at 62; 2) their Thrift Savings Plan (similar to a 401(k)) carries very low fees; 3) they can draw Social Security in additional to their pension; 4) the government pays 72% of the premiums on their subsidized health program; 5) on-site health care; 6) federal life insurance programs; 7) reserved parking at DC airports; 8) dedicated call desk for major airlines reservations; 9) can book multiple flights and only pay for the one they board; 10) taxpayer funded flights (including international); 11) they have access to exclusive private gyms that include swimming pools and basketball courts; 12) they’re exempt from some laws, including FOIA; 13) a year’s salary goes to family member if they die while in office; 14) on-site barber shops, beauty salons, and dedicated subway systems.

On top of all that they can get information on things that can influence the stock market; they get briefings on national security which can also impact the financial market; they’re in contact with corporate executives and other government officials that can provide them with insight; their contact with lobbyists can be, and usually is, a literal gold mine via political contributions, and their exposure to lobbyists while they’re in office benefits them greatly when they decide to become a lobbyist after they’re no longer a member of Congress.

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The entire policy is aimed at stopping stock purchases, the revolving door, and offering enough compensation so that “double-dipping” isn’t desired or needed.