Each lawmaker has their own reason for dedicating their life to public service. Some ran to make a difference, others joined Congress to see the world.
According to a new USA Today report, many politicians have been jet-setting overseas, in first class, on taxpayer dollars. Last year, Congress set a new spending record, dropping nearly $20 million on international travel.
Particularly egregious, Congress booked 557 trips abroad for members and their staff at a cost of more than $10,000 each. With the money for one trip, the U.S. government could literally fly an American family of four around the world. But of course, voters would have to fly coach.
To circumnavigate the globe, according to the travel gurus at AirTreks.com, cheap tickets cost $2,500. Unlike members of Congress, private travelers would need to book their flights months in advance. They’d also be on their own for food and lodging. Obviously, your member of Congress doesn’t have to worry about those details.
Congress doesn’t pay for their own flights. They don’t even book their own tickets. The combined travel agency of Congress, the State and Treasury Departments tag-team that job. Legislators just tell those executive agencies when and where they’re headed.
A review of the receipts shows they don’t spare any expense. Last May, USA Today reports, four GOP congressmen and three of their staff spent $90,000 on a five-day jaunt to Albania for a NATO summit. While Rep. Mike Turner, R-Ohio, spent $7,055 on tickets, his colleague Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., made the trip for $15,222.
In total, international travel expenses rose by 27 percent in 2016, and those charges are all deliberate. Apparently some of that increased cost comes from airdropping members of Congress into hotspots. The House Intelligence Committee increased travel spending from $1.1 million in 2015 to $1.9 million in 2016.
“The increased spending results from a directive issued by Chairman Nunes for members to spend more time in the field,” a committee spokesperson told USA Today. “When dealing with intelligence issues, that’s really the crucial way to gain relevant information.”
Maybe it is important for lawmakers to sometimes see global threats first-hand. But it still seems like covert agents could gather better intelligence than a geriatric member of Congress. Masters of delegation, Congress should leave the field work to the agencies.
Already those same members enjoy plenty of perks, like prestige, a fat paycheck, and a fatter pension. They shouldn’t require a luxurious travel service too. The congressional sky club should close.
Philip Wegmann is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
