Congressman to camp out in Capitol
[cnn-photo-caption image= http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2008/images/11/22/ap.new.congress.jpg caption="Freshman lawmakers struggle to find affordable housing."]
(CNN) - Newly-minted Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, like many freshman members of Congress, is trying to get settled in before the new session begins. That means quickly getting assigned an office and finding a place to live when in Washington.
To defray costs on housing in DC, some lawmakers choose to room together and split rent. Others find small, basement apartments. Low-end spaces in D.C. run about $1,400 per month.
But Chaffetz has another idea: a cot.
He plans to camp out in his office and shower at the gym in the House.
Watch: New housing for new lawmakers
Lucky for Chaffetz, he drew a low number in the office lottery this morning, which means he'll have his pick of available offices.
"I can look for ones with windows," says Chaffetz. "That's important when you're going be sleeping there."
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Bless his heart!
That's funny. The rookies have to learn the hard way, LOL!
That's ludicrous to suggest that "low end" apartments cost $1400. He obviously didn't look very hard. Also has he considered roommates? What a stupid cheap ploy to show his constituents "I'm so not a part of the DC establishment that I don't even leave my office." For god's sake, shell out a little bit of your congressional income and rent an apartment so you can at least do your laundry!
So?
Smartest thing I've heard so far, nothing wrong with sleeping on a cot, until you can truly get settled in. Tip my hat to ya!
Wow, that's sad that even our leaders are having trouble finding affordable homes. Just goes to show that a weak economy hurts everyone. I hope that both sides will work together to find a solution to the economic crunch.
I would suggest to new Congressman that he ditch the cot and get a good air matress. So far he is showing good fiscal judgement but sleeping on a cot is no match for an air bed. He has a lot of work to do and he needs a good night sleep!
Can someone stop Mayor Bloomberg from increasing the fares on buses and subways ?
They should charge him rent, just like any other place he would live. We did not build a motel for those we send to Washington and we should be reimbursed if they are going to use it as a motel.
They should charge him rent, just like any other place he would live. We did not build a motel for those we send to Washington and we should be reimbursed if they are going to use it as a motel.
Show me where I already said that, please.
I like this guy. How practical. Thanks for not sticking us taxpayers with some huge expense bill.
Lets see how long it takes them to forget who they are working for,us or the lobbyist with payoff money.
fake dedication doesnt' replace common sense
haha...you know it's bad when even the Congressmen are homeless
well...at least his commute will be short
Realize the cost of living in DC, and congressman pay isn't that
high, but when they add all the perks, benefits and outlandish
pensions, cannot feel too sorry for them.
The majority of politicans are weatthy. Our system is set up
so that they would not be able to run otherwise.
And, when they run for office they are well aware of the expenses.
There are probably very few that this will cause a "hardship" for.
I will vote for this congressman, he knows how to save money.
Rep. Dennis Rehberg of Montana has been living in his office for years. He has showered at the gym, as well. Maintains that Montana is his residence.
I'm not from Utah, and I've never heard of this congressman before, but I will say that I can identify with him. This is someone with a good head on his shoulders and an obvious streak of independence. Some will criticize him, but I believe that his ingenuity will not only decrease stress on himself and his family, it will push him to work hard for the American people he represents. I hope others follow suit.
They should all sleep there.
Sounds like a plan...yet having a private gym/shower for House members only is hardly roughing it.
they are paid enough to do that, congress complained about the private planes of the big three executives, the is fat to trimmed in many places, we are in a crisis, i suggest brown bagging, as i have to do
Former Ohio Congressman Ron Mottl was bunking in his congressional office back in the Seventies. Cong.-elect Chaffetz is admirable but he is definitely not breaking new ground here.
Gosh – wish I could find a job that pays that well and provides good health, dental, and eye care, AND let me live free in my office. I could spend a lot and help the economy, even while maintaining a second home in some other state. he he he he he
i may vote republican in the next round if this guy represents the GOP.
Poor thing.
Better than sleeping outside.