Salaries and Benefits of US Congress Members: The Truth -- Don't Believe Those Emails

A massively-sent chain email states, “Many citizens had no idea that members of Congress could retire with the same pay after only one term.” Well, maybe many citizens do not have that idea, because it is just flat wrong. Another infamous email demanding passage of a mythical “Congressional Reform Act” claims members of Congress do not pay Social Security taxes. That, too, is wrong

Salaries and benefits of members of the U.S. Congress have been the source of taxpayer unhappiness and myths over the years.

Here are some facts for your consideration.

As of 2017, the base salary for all rank-and-file members of the U.S. House and Senate was $174,000 per year, plus benefits. Salaries have not been increased since 2009. Compared to private-sector salaries, the salaries of members of Congress is lower than many mid-level executives and managers.

RANK-AND-FILE MEMBERS:

The current salary (2017) for rank-and-file members of the House and Senate is $174,000 per year.

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