this post was submitted on 07 Sep 2026
1055 points (96.0% liked)

Work Reform

17499 readers
1230 users here now

A place to discuss positive changes that can make work more equitable, and to vent about current practices. We are NOT against work; we just want the fruits of our labor to be recognized better.

Our Philosophies:

Our Goals

founded 3 years ago
MODERATORS
 
you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[–] UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago) (1 children)

I think this is overstated. You can't even run for Congress without being a millionaire, a millionaire's family, a lawyer, a lobbyist, or a military officer looking to cash out.

You can't get in the door of Congress without being in hoc to a constellation of private interests. Capping their pay won't change that.

[–] thegerald@lemmy.zip 2 points 3 days ago (1 children)

you got a point. Also I think that they get bought of either way, so why not safe a little on their salary ;)

[–] UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.world 1 points 3 days ago (1 children)

Because Congress sets its own salary. I don't. So, I have no say in the matter.

Also because there's no real "cost savings" in a material sense. Congressional spending has been decoupled from federal taxation since the Great Depression. Pay congressmen $1/term. Pay them $1M/hr. I don't see any kind of change in my material condition.

Incidentally, the Gingrich Era Contract with America was billed as a legislation package to rein in the capacity for Congresscritters to personally enrich and profiteer off their positions. Similarly, Pelosi's For The People Act included a number of reforms intended to prevent Congress from double-dealing and insider trading. Despite both Speakers enjoying a bicameral majority and a friendly President during their careers, neither successfully advanced legislation to handcuff members of Congress.

Asking Congress to regulate itself is a fool's request.

[–] thegerald@lemmy.zip 1 points 2 days ago (1 children)

Hey Thanks. I didn't know any of that.