Capitol Hill Expenses: Members of Congress Treat Themselves to Luxury Items

Members of the US Congress, despite regulations on personal expenses, have claimed thousands of dollars for various luxury items, including a $84,000 calendars, a $24,730 leased luxury sedan, and a $2,946 pair of 46-inch Sony TVs. These expenses are legal under congressional rules, but raise questions about the lavish spending habits of lawmakers. The Wall Street Journal's report highlights several cases where Congress members have treated themselves to expensive items, with Representatives Howard Berman, Alcee Hastings, Michael Turner, Eni Faleomavaega, and William Jefferson being among those who have claimed large sums for personal expenses.

Key Takeaways:

• Representative Howard Berman claimed $84,000 worth of personalised calendars, printed by the US Capitol Historical Society, to be sent to his constituents.
• Representative Alcee Hastings leased a 2008 luxury Lexus hybrid sedan for $24,730.
• Representative Michael Turner spent $1,435 on a digital camera.
• Eni Faleomavaega, House delegate, purchased two 46-inch Sony TVs for $2,946.
• Representative William Jefferson claimed $2,793 for a Panasonic Toughbook laptop.
• Members of the US Congress can claim up to $1.9 million per year in official expenses, depending on their location.
• Former Congress members Randy "Duke" Cunningham and Bob Ney were jailed on corruption charges in 2006, and William "Dollar Bill" Jefferson is about to go on trial accused of accepting bribes.

Statistics:

• Representatives in the House of Representatives can claim $1.3 million to $1.9 million per year in official expenses, while Senators can claim $2.9 million to $4.5 million.
• Representative Howard Berman's calendars cost $84,000.
• Representative Alcee Hastings' 2008 luxury Lexus hybrid sedan lease cost $24,730.
• Representative Eni Faleomavaega's two 46-inch Sony TVs cost $2,946.

Sources:

• The Wall Street Journal - no specific date mentioned
• The Telegraph - "Telegraph Reveals MPs' Expenses Scandal" article, no specific date mentioned