Shutdown has not shut off money tap for members of Congress
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/oct/2/shutdown-has-not-shut-off-money-tap-for-members-of/
The government shutdown has placed thousands of federal workers on unpaid leave, but money is flowing to one group: Congress.
Thatâs right, despite causing the shutdown in the first place, members of the House and Senate are still drawing their paychecks â and some are even going ahead with scheduled fundraisers, building up their political war chests in hopes of holding on to their jobs after midterm elections next year.
âIt looks terrible to be taking care of your campaign while youâve got the government shut down,â said Bill Allison, editorial director for the Sunlight Foundation, a nonprofit that tracks government transparency. âThe idea that youâd be having a swank fundraiser, rubbing elbows with lobbyists and raising campaign money can really just be a terrible thing for Congress.â
But that hasnât stopped several lawmakers from holding events, according to a Sunlight Foundation survey.
Rep. Gene Green, Texas Democrat, held a fundraising luncheon at Tortilla Coast in Washington on Tuesday, just hours after the government officially closed its doors for lack of funding. The smallest contribution level was $1,000.
If you had only $500 in your pocket, you could have gone to support Rep. Charlie B. Rangel, New York Democrat, on Wednesday night at an event hosted by several other House members...
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2013/oct/2/shutdown-has-not-shut-off-money-tap-for-members-of/
The government shutdown has placed thousands of federal workers on unpaid leave, but money is flowing to one group: Congress.
Thatâs right, despite causing the shutdown in the first place, members of the House and Senate are still drawing their paychecks â and some are even going ahead with scheduled fundraisers, building up their political war chests in hopes of holding on to their jobs after midterm elections next year.
âIt looks terrible to be taking care of your campaign while youâve got the government shut down,â said Bill Allison, editorial director for the Sunlight Foundation, a nonprofit that tracks government transparency. âThe idea that youâd be having a swank fundraiser, rubbing elbows with lobbyists and raising campaign money can really just be a terrible thing for Congress.â
But that hasnât stopped several lawmakers from holding events, according to a Sunlight Foundation survey.
Rep. Gene Green, Texas Democrat, held a fundraising luncheon at Tortilla Coast in Washington on Tuesday, just hours after the government officially closed its doors for lack of funding. The smallest contribution level was $1,000.
If you had only $500 in your pocket, you could have gone to support Rep. Charlie B. Rangel, New York Democrat, on Wednesday night at an event hosted by several other House members...