On the recordJuly 21, 2011
Right now our Nation is seriously debating its fiscal future. We're making tough decisions to get spending under control. Congress should do the same. This spending bill for Congress allows us an opportunity to practice what we preach when it comes to excessive spending on the taxpayer dime. My amendment is quite simple. It states that the CAO may not make MRA payments for the leasing of a vehicle in an amount that exceeds $1,000 per month. It applies only to individual Member office accounts and would not affect the Capitol Police or other legislative agencies. It would not affect periodic car rentals, and it does not, it is not the intention of the amendment to affect mobile offices. This is about preventing the leasing of expensive luxury cars. Currently, there is no cap on how much Members can spend on leased cars. The only requirement is that cars meet certain fuel standards. This amendment installs a $1,000 monthly cap. Members of Congress have 2-year terms, which could require a slightly more expensive short- term lease. This amendment accounts for that. I believe the majority of this body and most Americans can agree that $1,000 a month for a car is more than reasonable. We do not need to be spending the taxpayers dollars leasing expensive luxury vehicles, and certainly not during these tough economic times. I would also note that the Senate does not offer any car leasing whatsoever.…
