Republican Congressman Whines He’s ‘Stuck’ With 6-Figure Salary

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The arrogance of republican politicians can be staggering, and the latest right winger to demonstrate this arrogance and lack of regard for the hard working middle class is Georgia Rep. Phil Gingrey, who is finding himself under fire following a meeting of congressional Republicans yesterday.

Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Ga.  (AP Photo/David Goldman, File)
Rep. Phil Gingrey, R-Ga.
(AP Photo/David Goldman, File)

On the table was the ruling that allows federal lawmakers and their staffers to get a health insurance subsidy for use in the exchange markets. Gingrey wants to see the subsidy gone (he considers it special treatment), while others argued that dropping it would create a financial burden for themselves and their aides.

The outrageous lines getting all the attention, as first reported by the National Review:

  • Capitol Hill aides “may be 33 years old now and not making a lot of money. But in a few years they can just go to K Street [ie, become a lobbyist] and make $500,000 a year. Meanwhile, I’m stuck here making $172,000 a year.”
  • At Slate, Matthew Yglesias writes that “the world’s tiniest violin is playing” for Gingrey, who, Yglesias points out, is making just a smidge over the median US householdincome of $51,017, and will enjoy a full pension once he stops working.
  • And Yglesias’ figure is kind; ABC News points out that the median household income in Georgia is even lower, at $49,736; also, members of Congress make $174,000, not $172,000.
  • ABC News reports Gingrey is gunning for a Senate seat, as is fellow Georgia Republican Rep. Paul Broun. Broun had this to say: “While most Americans are struggling to make ends meet and battling higher health care costs, it’s disappointing that Congressman Gingrey, whose reported net worth exceeds $3 million, complains about being ‘stuck here [in Congress].”
  • He had at least one defender, though. Erick Ericksontweeted, “Good for Rep. Phil Gingrey telling Congressmen and staffers to suck it up.”
  • And writing for the Washington Post, Aaron Blake reminds us that this is hardly the first such “oops.” He gives a few examples, like when Rep. Sean Duffy in 2011 told constituents he was “struggling” on his $174,000 salary.

Thanks to Newser for story contributions and don’t forget to check out our Home Page before you make the jump.

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Professor Mike

Professor Mike is a left-leaning, dog loving, political junkie. He has written dozens of articles for Substack, Medium, Simily, and Tribel. Professor Mike has been published at Smerconish.com, among others. He is a strong proponent of the environment, and a passionate protector of animals. In addition he is a fierce anti-Trumper. Take a moment and share his work.
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Joe Hagstrom
10 years ago

I see the man’s point. Ti rid government of useless, high paid slackers we must attract good people and pay them good money to pass legislation that rids government of useless slackers. And these people like the good Congressman need well paid with good benefits government employees to help him in this just cause.

Bill Formby
10 years ago

Poor guy. I know a fellow who lives down the road from me who just got laid off who be glad to trade places with him.

Reply to  Bill Formby
10 years ago

I know many people that are working full-time that would happily trade places with him.

10 years ago

As usual, there is nothing too absurd or untrue for politicians to say it. Unfortunately, none of it is too absurd or untrue for many Americans to believe it.

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