Good government means cutting congressional perks

Members of Congress are taking serious steps toward good-government reforms that would eliminate some of the more egregious taxpayer-funded perks they enjoy. The House of Representatives is poised to eliminate the lavish supports granted to former speakers of the House upon retirement, which include expensive office space and staff for five whole years after their departure from Congress.

Before the Memorial Day recess, the House Appropriations Committee unanimously approved an amendment by Rep. Kevin Yoder, R-Kan., to the 2019 legislative branch spending bill with language to cut off the benefit that has been on the books since 1970. The bill is expected to be considered by the House later in June.