Members of Congress get pensions, lifetime healthcare subsidies, and a paycheck during the shutdowns they cause. You get none of that. Why should they?
Members of Congress get pensions, lifetime healthcare subsidies, and a paycheck during the shutdowns they cause. You get none of that. Why should they?
Congress receives pensions, matching 401(k)-like accounts, and lifetime healthcare subsidies. Members and their staff continue to be paid during shutdowns, while essential workers are asked to work without pay. Not paying Congress during shutdowns would have little impact on most members because they are either wealthy, have donors to cover their expenses, or make enough from trading favors to get by.
Most Americans lack a pension. Only 8% of private-sector workers are covered by pensions, compared to 85% of government employees. This disparity seems unfair. If pensions were bad for private companies, why would they benefit taxpayers? Congress should lead by example. Only 5% of private workers get post-retirement healthcare, while 90% of federal employees do. This situation is unfair to taxpayers. Real change must start with Congress.
The solution is clear: eliminate Congress's pension plan and lifetime healthcare subsidies, and give them the same benefits as their private sector counterparts. If they don't fulfill their responsibilities of passing laws, appointing judges, and approving spending, they should be required to stay in session until these basic jobs are finished. Taking a two-week vacation when part of the government is shut down is wrong.
Annual net-worth disclosures. Gains exceeding the S&P 500 trigger automatic audits. Strict insider-trading penalties.
When the top 100 members of Congress earn a 48% annual return while Americans earn only 6%, it highlights a systemic problem. Not everyone is involved in insider trading, but many seem to be. Each year, investigations uncover more systemic issues.
Congress should require annual household net worth disclosures, with gains exceeding market performance prompting audits. Evidence of insider trading or misuse of federal funds should lead to immediate removal. These measures could help rebuild trust. Recent polls show Congress's approval rating below 15%. Why would we re-elect any of them? They are failing at their jobs.
Instead of endless investigations fueled by party politics, time should be dedicated to enhancing transparency, accountability, and integrity in our legislative branch. This would significantly help rebuild trust in our government.
By Don Louis · Published 2026-04-07