Two aides to former House Speaker John Boehner are earning over $10,000 a month in his taxpayer-funded “Office of the Former Speaker,” according to congressional records.
Both longtime aides, Amy Lozupone received $26,414 for work done in November and December as Boehner’s administrative assistant, and Michael Sommers was paid $22,185 during the same period.
Boehner stepped down at the end of October. Rep. Paul Ryan was elected to replace him. Boehner’s office opened in November.
The Office of the Former Speaker is an official office that provides space and staff to former House speakers for some five years. Former House Speaker Dennis Hastert ran up a $1.9 million bill, according to reports.
According to the online data site Legistorm, Boehner can have up to three aides and keep the office operating even if he lands another job.
“The Office of the Former Speaker is a governmental office provided by law to representatives who vacate the speaker’s position. It is funded by taxpayers and can have up to three staffers. It cannot be used for political purposes and can be held by Boehner for the next five years, even if he gets a job in the private sector,” said the site which revealed the salaries.
Paul Bedard, the Washington Examiner’s “Washington Secrets” columnist, can be contacted at [email protected]
