Retiring Rep. Moran Complains Congress is Underpaid

In a country where the median household income is $53,046, outgoing Rep. Jim Moran (VA-8) complained yesterday that, despite what Americans believe, members of Congress are underpaid.

“I think the American people should know that the members of Congress are underpaid,” Moran told CQ Roll Call.

The comments were made during a markup of legislation to continue the ongoing pay freeze, which would keep the salary for a regular member of Congress at $174,000.

“Our pay has been frozen for three years and we’re planning on freezing it a fourth year. … A lot of members can’t even afford to live decently in Washington,” he said.

Rep. Moran isn’t the only member of Congress who feels this way. In 2011, Chris Moody reported that several members of Congress griped about Congressional pay, including “Linda Sánchez, a Democratic representative from California, said during an MSNBC interview that she was living “paycheck to paycheck” on her congressional salary.”

So, what do you think? Does Congress deserve a raise? Or, should they learn to make do with what they have?

In a town where many young professionals get their start living in group houses with three, four, or more roommates just to afford their rent, perhaps members of Congress should simply count their blessings.