You’d think our representatives would have a lot of work to do over the next four years.
Yet once again, the U.S. House of Representatives stands to make a lot more money than most of us in 2017, while clocking in for a fraction of the time.
The average member will pocket $174,000 while showing up to the office just 145 out of 261 work days in 2017, according to the updated calendar released by Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.).
For reference, the median American income in 2015 was $56,516, according to Census data, while the average employee reported working 47 hours a week ― nearly six days ― and taking just 14 days off per year.
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As for our lawmakers, just look at all that white space:
Kevin McCarthy
Some of these recess days are set aside for reps to meet with their constituents during “District Work Weeks” (which provides a little justification for having the entirety of August off). But they’re not actually required to work those days, and they certainly won’t be getting any legislation done outside of D.C.
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To be fair, the House will be working a little more than usual. In 2013 and 2014, members worked 126 days and 113 days, respectively.
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It appears that the 115th Congress may not be the least productive in history. But compared to your average American worker, your average elected official is going to look like a slacker.