The members of Congress collected more than $800,000 in salary during the protracted fight by the chamber’s speakers — during a time when they were technically not members.
Poles officially become members of Congress — leaving behind the title of member-elect — when they are sworn in by the Speaker of the House. The event usually takes place on January 3rd Constitutionally authorized beginning of each new Conference.
Even re-elected incumbents must be sworn in every two years to keep their “member” status current.
But because Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) failed to muster the votes to become President until the early hours of Jan. 7 — a delay not seen before the Civil War — members of Congress paid four days before they actually did. sworn in as members.
During their four days as elected representatives from Jan. 3 to 7, they drew about $1,870 each in salary — or $813,867 as a body.
The money will be included in their regular pay, which comes at the end of the month, as long as they have submitted their credentials to the housekeeper.
Almost all members of Congress win $174,000 per year. Party leaders get $193,400, while Speaker McCarthy will earn $223,500.
During their marathon voting of speakers, the elected members had fun in various ways. Rep. Katie Porter (D-Calif.) caught up on some reading, while Rep. Zoe Lofgren (D-Calif.) read the funny pages. Representative Linda Sanchez played games on her tablet. Representative Nancy Mace (RS.C.) brought along with her dog Libby. As well-balanced tensions came to a boil, the GOP came close to striking out.
Rep. Lance Gooden, R-Texas, sits with his children in the House chamber before the 14th round of voting for speaker.
U.S. Rep. Katie Porter reads as she waits for the House to approve a speaker.
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US Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene was seen yawning.
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New York Democratic Rep. Richie Torres defended his salary. While he had to spend his days idle on the floor — repeatedly voting for his party’s leader, Hakeem Jeffries, Torres insisted his office “continued to operate as usual and continued to provide constituent services.”
Torres, a hardline progressive with an independent streak, is preparing a new bill to address the issue. The Swear In Representatives Elect Now or SIREN Act would allow the Clerk of the House to administer the oath to members. The bill, like its “SANTOS Act” — which makes it a crime for members to lie about their past — has little chance of passing the Republican-controlled House.
“If there was an emergency during the speaker’s dysfunctional vote, Congress would not be able to respond,” Torres said. “The paralysis of Congress in the absence of a President is a dangerous flaw in our system.”
