Jackie Speier: “My Republican colleagues have a point. It is really terrible that some people take advantage of free food and drink to…”

“My Republican colleagues have a point. It is really terrible that some people take advantage of free food and drink to continue their slothful lifestyles. I agree. This conduct must stop. Of course, Members of Congress can attend lunches and receptions with free food and drink every single day, sleep on the taxpayer's dime in their offices, and have the taxpayers do their laundry, too. The House has been in session for a measly 50 days this year, and I have compiled at least 54 receptions, which is just the tip of the iceberg of free food and drink available to Members. But even estimating a modest $10 for a glass of wine and a plate of appetizers, that means that a Member who attends a reception every night the House is in session, has received a benefit of over $500 just since the beginning of this year. That is about the same amount of money as the maximum monthly food stamp benefit for a family of three, except Congress Members are nibbling on pork sliders, and French Brie, and pate, while these poor families are expected to feed each family member three meals a day for 30 days. That breaks down to about $5.60 for each meal, or about $1.87 per person per meal. Now, I am sure none of my colleagues would think that they are better than working people who struggle to keep a roof over their heads and food on their tables. And I am sure all of us are happy to be subject to the same rules that we vote on in this Chamber.…”