View Full Version : So, where's your rep been?
Reforms in recent years have made many of the lush perks once enjoyed by Congress disappear. But not all, certainly not travel. That's the conclusion of an investigation by Marketplace, American RadioWorks, and a team of graduate students from Northwestern's Medill School of Journalism, who cataloged every privately sponsored trip taken by members of the House or Senate since 2000. The result: Over $14 million spent by corporations, universities, and other outside interests, sending representatives around the world, for sometimes questionable reasons.
http://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/congtravel/
An interesting little study done regarding out representatives, how much they travel and just how much is being paid for by private groups.
BigDeputyDog
10-10-2004, 04:16 PM
From Indiana... :vmad:
Evan Bayh, Democratic Party (http://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/congtravel/member_report.php?member=494)
Total number of trips - 41
Total cost of trips - $142,884.94
Average cost per trip - $3,485.00
Total number of days spent traveling - 143 days
Rank of representative - 6 (Out of 582)
Richard Lugar, Republican Party (http://americanradioworks.publicradio.org/features/congtravel/member_report.php?member=534)
Total number of trips - 19
Total cost of trips - $113,279.68
Average cost per trip - $5,962.09
Total number of days spent traveling - 107 days
Rank of representative - 17 (Out of 582)
BDD...
Sarge
10-10-2004, 05:01 PM
Shelia Jackson-Lee, Democratic Party
Total number of trips - 10
Total cost of trips - $29,889.80
Average cost per trip - $2,988.98
Total number of days spent traveling - 27 days
Rank of representative - 162 (Out of 582)
One trip to the Bahamas:
Sponsor - Carib News
Dates - November 8, 2003 - November 10, 2003 (3 days)
Location - Nassau, Bahamas
Purpose - 8th Annual Caribbean Multi-National Business Conference
Notes - Meals, drinks and airport transfer included in all-inclusive land package - cost stated under lodging.
Travel Cost - $300.00
Lodging Cost - $750.00
Meal Cost -
Other Cost -
Total Cost - $1,050.00
Additional family members - No
$1,050 seems reasonable. But then there's this trip:
Sponsor - American Petroleum Institute
Dates - June 28, 2001 - July 1, 2001 (4 days)
Location - Houston, TX
Purpose - Fact-finding
Notes - Orig food cost was $355
Travel Cost - $2,338.25
Lodging Cost - $645.00
Meal Cost - $500.00
Other Cost -
Total Cost - $3,483.25
Additional family members - No
She lives in, and represents, Houston! How on earth did it cost $2,338.25 to travel to her hometown? And why did it cost anything for lodging when she could have slept at home?
Weird, isn't it? Did ya see the first guy? The one who had the most money spent? I don't know what he does, but he sure has a lot to do with the drug companies.
One of the guys, he and his wife were sent to Wimbleton, tickets and all for him and his wife.
Makes ya wonder. Makes ya jealous too! :)
Stonehawk
10-12-2004, 02:11 PM
Russell Feingold, Democratic Party
Total number of trips - 2
Total cost of trips - $1,095.25
Average cost per trip - $547.63
Total number of days spent traveling - 3 days
Rank of representative - 541 (Out of 582)
You know, Russ is one of the only honest politicians I know. Him and his wife are very down to earth (not millionaires, as far as I know), and very easy to sit down and have a drink with.
He refuses to take money that these lobbyists and other individuals throw at the politicians. As a firefighter, we are not allowed to accept any gifts for our work. The most we are allowed is a cup of coffee. Other than that, NO gifts allowed. Why do we allow those who hold such sacred positions in our government to prostitute them selfs out like this? Why don't WE stop it?
"....bueller........bueller.........bueller...."
Stay safe all....
tke711
10-12-2004, 02:15 PM
As much as Senator Feingold and I differ on policy, I do have to agree with you.
He has campaigned in my neighborhood often over the years and I've had a chance to meet him a few times. More times than not, he's willing to stick by what he believes is best and walks the walk. While I may not always agree with what he thinks is best, he at least has my respect for being a stand-up guy.
He is also truly just a nice and likable guy.