I keep hearing that, but it's not true. They have the same health plan as every other federal employee, and pay for it in part like any other federal employee. Unless they opt out of it and buy their own plans. Their pension plan is also the same as any other federal employee, which means they also contribute to it, pay into SS and Medicare, and have time in service provisions they have to follow. Congress probably gets other perks related to their jobs, as well as other political appointees. Where they have a distinct advantage is that they can't be separated (kicked out) for not doing their jobs - indeed, they seem to be rewarded by their voters. And emoluments parts of the Constitution and conflict of interest doesn't seem to apply to them whereas the rank-and-file career employees would be tossed out, if not prosecuted, for those issues.
and they have spectacular health care plans paid for by YOU!
I keep hearing that, but it's not true. They have the same health plan as every other federal employee, and pay for it in part like any other federal employee. Unless they opt out of it and buy their own plans. Their pension plan is also the same as any other federal employee, which means they also contribute to it, pay into SS and Medicare, and have time in service provisions they have to follow. Congress probably gets other perks related to their jobs, as well as other political appointees. Where they have a distinct advantage is that they can't be separated (kicked out) for not doing their jobs - indeed, they seem to be rewarded by their voters. And emoluments parts of the Constitution and conflict of interest doesn't seem to apply to them whereas the rank-and-file career employees would be tossed out, if not prosecuted, for those issues.
Thank you for that. Is it the same for the Senate?
You're welcome, and yes.