In most industries, compensation is tied to good performance. But when you run the federal government, some swamp dwellers in Congress think that just showing up (sometimes) entitles you to regular increases.

A bipartisan push to give Congress a salary increase to match inflation failed this week, collapsing due to political backlash. The deal, negotiated between House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., would have boosted annual salaries by just under $5,000, supposedly accounting for inflation, given that they have not received an increase in the last decade.