Start new search + Search help + Web Edition front page

Deseret News Archives,

Sunday, July 25, 1999

Cost of living leaves dozens of staffers homeless in D.C.

By Jack Anderson and Douglas Cohn

W ASHINGTON -- WE HAVE discovered more than a dozen congressmen who are literally homeless. They either cannot afford or choose not to maintain two residences -- one in the home state and one in Washington. So they flop in the House Office Buildings, a practice that violates municipal codes in virtually every city in the country but not in Congress, because, constitutionally, it is not bound by any laws but its own. This is why Congress members risked political retribution and voted themselves a pay raise. No less than House Majority Leader Richard Armey, R-Texas, tried to cut costs by sleeping in his office or on one of the cots off the House gym, until then Speaker Tip O'Neill, D-Mass., kicked him out. Then, disregarding conventional housing regulations, former House Speaker Newt Gingrich changed the rules: Anyone could live in their offices unless health hazards developed. Ernest Istook, R-Okla., started sleeping in his office two years ago, to avoid the expense of renting an apartment in Washington, D.C., according to spokesperson, Micah Swafford. Next year he will have five children in college, and he is attempting to cut costs. He sleeps on his couch and showers in the Rayburn Gymnasium every morning. Scott McInnis, R-Colo., has slept on his office couch since 1992 for efficiency. Peter Hoekstra, R-Mich., has slept in his office since 1993. His spokesperson said, "It's not something we make a big deal about; not a big publicity stunt." He sleeps in the House to save the expense of renting a house, and he maintains a home in Michigan where his family resides. Jack Kingston, R-Ga., rented when he moved here, but found it didn't make sense to waste time on the commute. "He is just one of many who do it," his spokesperson told us, "It is just darn efficient." Kingston sleeps on an air mattress, while his wife and four children remain at the family home in Georgia. Gene Taylor, D-Miss., lived on a house boat to save money for years. He sold the boat awhile ago and is now rumored from several sources to reside in his office; his press secretary refused to comment. Mark Sanford, R-S.C., is one of the most vocal opponents of pay raises. But the millionaire congressman also sleeps in his office -- a practice he began just shortly after coming to Washington in 1994. He claims efficiency as the reason. Sen. James Jeffords, R-Vt., lived in his office while on the House side for about a decade to save money while going through a messy divorce. Bob Inglis, R-S.C., no longer in Congress, inflated an air mattress every night and deflated it every morning in his office. He said congressional salaries were not enough "to support two households, pay for children's educations, help out elderly parents and clear large personal campaign debts." Karen Thurman, D-Fla., not one of the homeless, understands their plight: "The costs of maintaining two households, taking care of parents and putting kids through college can really stretch the income. Some months it is not easy." Thurman's income is much higher than the average American's. But her income is based on what she earns, not on what she is left with after paying the expenses of maintaining two homes, traveling back and forth to Florida, and owning two cars (one in Florida and one in Washington, plus insurance on both vehicles). Thurman broke down her expenses for us: She has a $2,500 per month mortgage on her house in Florida, along with $500 to $600 in expenses, and she pays $2,000 per month for a co-op in D.C. She tells us, "I'm certainly not wealthy. My work-related expenses (create) a hindrance on my ability to make it month to month. And for those without a second income, or no trust funds, it's tough."

United Feature Syndicate Inc.

) 1999 Deseret News Publishing Co.

-- Notforlong (Fsur@aol.com), February 02, 2000

Answers

Let's see if I've got this right. They only have a warm/cool roof over their heads, free utilities, almost free gormet food, gratis booz, indoor swimming pool/gym, free vehicle, some enough money to put several kids through college, and have primary homes with $2500/month mortgages.... yep that's tough.

All the windows in Congress must face inward.

-- mush (mush@psicorps.com), February 02, 2000.

In the Days of Internet,Fax,Telephones(even Cell Phones and Cordless)I cannot understand why these People are loitering around Washington.If I want to talk to my son in California,mucho Miles away,I use the Phone.If they(the unfortunate Homeless) are afraid talking with their friendly Lobbyist on the Phone,that might be tapped;I would think they should invite them to their Homes.Decentralize,I say;stay close to the People that put You in Office.Why, you might even do some good as a Family Member,instead of shoving your Kids off Day Care Corrals and high priced Remedial Schools.

-- nono (onono@nono.com), February 02, 2000.

The answer to the above is obvious: they're not "The Children" who the pinnochio-nosed Clintons are always mooing about. Once you're an adult...forget it...you're on your own, sucka.

-- Everythings (ForThe@Children.com), February 02, 2000.