WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after submitting an appropriations rider language request along with 7 bipartisan members to prohibit a loophole that currently exists allowing for members of Congress to fly first-class at taxpayer expense:
Today, U.S. Congressman Paul A. Gosar, D.D.S. (AZ-04) released the following statement after submitting an appropriations rider language request along with 7 bipartisan members to prohibit a loophole that currently exists allowing for members of Congress to fly first-class at taxpayer expense:
“Efficient travel to and from Congressional districts contributes to effective execution of the official duties of members of Congress. As with all federal spending, Member’s Representational Allowance is funded by taxpayer dollars. Therefore, it is the responsibility of elected Representatives to use the utmost efficiency and transparency when conducting official business.
“Currently, a loophole exists that allows members of Congress to fly first-class at the expense of the American taxpayer. When we have rules in place not allowing our military to fly first class, there is absolutely no reason Members of Congress should be treated any different. Furthermore, luxury airfare accommodations utilizing taxpayer monies would seem inappropriate in any fiscal climate, but at a time of soaring deficits and with a federal debt in excess of $18 trillion, such expenditures are especially wasteful. Elected leaders are public servants of the people and shouldn’t be considered a privileged class.”
Background:
The appropriations rider request, sent to Chairmen Rogers and Graves, and Ranking Members Lowey and Wasserman Schultz of the House Appropriations Committee, can be found HERE.
Reps. Raul Ruiz (D-CA), Walter Jones (R-NC), Rod Blum (R-IA), Matt Cartwright (D-PA), Scott Peters (D-CA), Dave Loebsack (D-IA), Gwen Graham (D-FL) joined Rep. Gosar in submitting this appropriations language request.
The rider language allows for reasonable exceptions like accommodating a disability or other substantiated medical need.
The appropriations language request seeks to codify language that is in line with requirements for travel by employees in the Executive Branch, including members of our Armed Services.
Rep. Gosar is committed to reforming this loophole and ensuring members of Congress aren’t treated as a privileged class. In the 113th Congress he submitted a similar appropriations rider request and also introduced the If Our Military Has to Fly Coach Then so Should Congress Act, H.R. 4632. Click Here and Here to read more.
