Bill Would Force Members of Congress to Fly Coach

2014-05-19T00:20:22-04:00

What are you thoughts on the article linked below? Do you think elected officials should be forced to fly coach?

http://abc7chicago.com/politics/bill-would-force-members-of-congress-to-fly-coach/62304/

Bill would force members of Congress to fly coach

Members of Congress fly across the country continually for business, but a new bill would keep them from spending taxpayer money on first-class seats.

Response by MSG Wade Huffman made May 19 at 2014 7:30 AM

2014-05-19T07:30:32-04:00

I believe our opinions are moot. The chances of this bill going anywhere are slim to none.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 9:23 AM

2014-05-19T09:23:43-04:00

Not really sure how I feel. I mean I think we have more things to worry about then if they fly first class or not. Honestly as long as its for official duty then I don't care.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made May 19 at 2014 9:26 AM

2014-05-19T09:26:20-04:00

It would save a small fraction of money, so why not?! We as servicemembers have to fly coach anywhere we go because it is cheaper, so let's spread the love.

Response by LTC Jonathan Howell, CSEP, PMP made May 19 at 2014 2:26 PM

2014-05-19T14:26:05-04:00

SGT Janelle Dean has this right. "I wish Congress would make attempts at tackling the forest of problems, not the trees." Legislation such as this is simply pandering or navel-gazing at best. It iss the equivalent of arguing whether BAS may be used to purchase Starbucks coffee rather than Folgers.

The average Members' Representational Allowance is $1.244M of which about $1M is for staff salaries (not to exceed 14 personnel) with the remainder provided for "official office expenses" by a variety of formulae. Addressing travel restrictions between grades of seating categories for elected representatives provides minimal benefit economically and ultimately does not address "waste, fraud, and abuse" as one of the bill's authors indicate.

I followed the link to the article and from the article to the Congressional Research Service report on Congressional Salaries and Allowances. The bottom line is that more than $256K is set aside per member to fund "official office expenses" with travel and rental of 2,500-square feet of space defined as two additional elements. Whether the funds are used for any particular type of travel (e.g., rail, air, road) is not addressed. The formula is "64 times the mileage rate [varies by distance from DC] times the distance traveled, plus 10 percent." On its own, the additional travel component to the "official office expenses" seems more generous than the DoD official mileage rate. Distinctively, the total sum from MRA are treated universally. Simply put, funds are available for any official expense independent from the formula determination; there is no "cap" for travel. If accounting of the MRA were made more complex, Representatives would likely include an accountant (if they don't already) to maintain all official documents in audit-ready status...a DTS technician on-staff for travel in the simplest form.

The preponderance of the allowance, like the military's BAH, is appropriate and reasonable. Focusing on this topic is a distraction from consideration of national-level issues.

JDH

Response by COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM made May 19 at 2014 4:55 PM

2014-05-19T16:55:28-04:00

Many of the issues that I have with Congress would be solved by one simple Constitutional Amendment. "Congress will pass no law that applies to the people and not to Congress. Congress will also pass no law that applies to Congress but not the people." Part of the reason Congress is not solving problems is because as individuals and as an institution, they do not have "skin in the game". Examples include: retirement (Social Security), medical care (Affordable Care Act), tax (exemptions for Congress). The list goes on.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 21 at 2014 10:23 AM

2014-05-21T10:23:26-04:00

Yes!! Fiscal responsibility says save money...if they want 1st class make them pay the difference. And frankly if they a worried about being bothered they should travel in plain cloths not advertising they are congressional members...not that most people know what they look like anyway.

Response by SGT Richard H. made Oct 5 at 2014 6:21 PM

2014-10-05T18:21:39-04:00

COACH?? Oh, the horror!

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Oct 5 at 2014 6:22 PM

2014-10-05T18:22:36-04:00

"The horror.....the horror.....the horror".....

Response by SPC David S. made Oct 5 at 2014 7:50 PM

2014-10-05T19:50:22-04:00

They should fly space-A travel on military flights.

Response by MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca made Oct 5 at 2014 7:53 PM

2014-10-05T19:53:04-04:00

Like this bill has a chance to pass? It would be a start if they could pass it to get to the meatier issues. COL Jason Smallfield, PMP, CFM, CM hits it right on the head! Instead of wasting time writing bills that dissect hairs, lets get it right from the get go. This bill only opens the door for them to pull money from someone else's pocket (other then their own) to circumvent the situation, IF the bill even passes.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 5 at 2014 8:22 PM

2014-10-05T20:22:00-04:00

Yes, if their flight is funded with government money. Plain and simple.

Response by PV2 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2014 6:59 AM

2014-10-06T06:59:52-04:00

As a Federal employee, I have to fly Coach when going to training, why should Congress be any different? Don't get me started!

During the furlough when I wasn't working or getting paid initially, Congressmen were whining because they had to bring in their own towels and take them home to launder them because the workers at the gym at Congress were also furloughed. Poor babies having to wash their towels like the rest of us who bring our own towels to the gym!

Response by CW5 Sam R. Baker made Oct 6 at 2014 7:56 AM

2014-10-06T07:56:21-04:00

Systemic issue. Back in the early 1990's I was a MP there in the beltway. Having to leave out of Ronald Reagan airport, I noticed the front parking spaces (entire parking lot) was empty while I had to catch the bus from satellite parking. Checking into it deeper, I found out the entire lot within walking distance was reserved for you know who; Congress. This appalled me at the time and to this day, still does. They never drive themselves to the airport, rather have drivers. Why parking that the public needs?

So back to Congress, yes they should fly as we fly. I was coming back from South Africa a little over a year ago when I had the awesome opportunity to sit next to a nice GS-15 worker and hear him "BITCH" all the way home that this was his "FIRST" ever coach flight as a government service employee. I was astounded and basically told him I had a nice can of "STFU" for him to eat if he kept me awake for the 13 hour flight.

The system cannot and will not ever get fixed if folks don't live like the rest of us. I remember George Bush Sr when he went to a grocery store and saw the lady swipe the item over the bar code and he was excited asking her how she rang up the items! Truly out of touch folks and honestly, it is to hard to bring them back down off the clouds.....be warned, if you get there, the oxygen is so thin you will tend to join them.

Response by COL Jean (John) F. B. made Oct 6 at 2014 8:10 AM

2014-10-06T08:10:06-04:00

Certainly they should fly Coach. Buying First Class tickets is a gross waste of taxpayer money, especially considering the amount of flying they do. They surely have enough frequent flyer miles to almost always get a free upgrade to First Class anyway.

I never purchase a First Class ticket, although I am authorized to by my company, because I think it is a gross waste of money and I am routinely upgraded anyway. And, I always give up my First Class seat to a service member in uniform if there is one on the plane.

If government employees want a guaranteed First Class seat, make them pay the difference in price.

Response by SFC Steven Borders made Oct 6 at 2014 10:55 AM

2014-10-06T10:55:24-04:00

If they want to fly first class they should pay for it themselves. We should not pay for their first class trips everywhere.

Response by SrA Marc Haynes made Oct 6 at 2014 11:25 AM

2014-10-06T11:25:12-04:00

I have a better idea and it will allow them more of an ability to keep in contact with their constituency on a more personal grassroots level.

http://www.trailways.com/

Welcome to Trailways.com

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 6 at 2014 2:00 PM

2014-10-06T14:00:39-04:00

OK...so let's play this game out shall we?

So, somehow, in spite of MSG Wade Huffman and MAJ Robert (Bob) Petrarca great knowledge and worldliness this bill somehow now passes. The rule goes into effect...and our shiftless Congressman has to fly coach. Does anyone really think that's going to happen? PULEEEZE PEOPLE...THINK instead of knee-jerk!

Think five seconds beyond the moment this rule / law goes into effect. Do you NOT see the opportunity for scoundrels that you've created? No congressperson is going to sit in coach....unless they're trying to impress their constituents and that's only once in a great while. What's gonna happen is some "friend" (read: lobbyist ) is gonna pay to upgrade the poor, helpless congressperson so they can do their deals in a more conducive atmosphere while on the plane - plus the booze is free in first class (not that I know anything about that sort of thing). So now we have the congressperson shopping around to see which lobbyist will pay for his upgrade.....and of course will ever be greatful to said lobbyist.

FAR, FAR BETTER for the congressperson to be ever so greatful to US, the TAXPAYER, than to some scumbag lobbyist.........

Response by SPC James Mcneil made Oct 6 at 2014 2:36 PM

2014-10-06T14:36:23-04:00

It's kind of a catch 22. They should be able to feel safe while traveling. However saving money is also very important. I'd say that the first place we need to start saving money would be their paychecks. Members of congress are paid WAY too much IMHO.

Response by SMSgt Judy Hickman made Dec 11 at 2014 10:44 PM

2014-12-11T22:44:54-05:00

I love it. As someone who goes TDY about once a month for the military and flies coach, I definitely think elected members shouldn't be treated any differently. Like my self, they can upgrade their tickets out of their own pocket if they choose to move up to First class.

Response by SFC Mark Merino made Dec 11 at 2014 11:00 PM

2014-12-11T23:00:00-05:00

While I applaud the bill and stand by it 100%, the chances of it passing are nil. I would imagine that if anyone who served their country in uniform, and spent time in a foxhole, would have no problem flying coach. Selfless service is not represented best by having someone bring you a hot towel and glass of complementary champagne as you head to a vote to strip servicemembers of their retirement benefits. Of course, that is how my tiny brain works. I felt we served our country best by leading by example. I would be voted out immediately because I would go to the black tie affairs and breaking open the most vile MRE in the inventory and chowing down. Again, all moot points because Congressmen are not little people.

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Dec 11 at 2014 11:14 PM

2014-12-11T23:14:56-05:00

SMSgt Private RallyPoint Member, they can ride back and forth from home to DC in old Army deuce and a halfs for all I care!

Response by CW2 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2014 8:58 AM

2014-12-12T08:58:20-05:00

they should but I dont think it would really matter that much when we are 18 trillion in debt. how about stopping all foreign aid, research grants for studies like why are lesbians fat. One thing that is worse than the first class would be congress members using air force assets to go home, like Pelosi does.

Response by CPT Chris Loomis made Dec 12 at 2014 11:11 AM

2014-12-12T11:11:46-05:00

Hell yes they should!!! I'm tired of hearing about our governmental leadership's waste and abuse.

Somebody needs to remind many of them that they are elected or appointed by the People for the People. As such they are public servants. They are not entitled....

As an Officer in the Army I am by Commission an agent of the President of the United States and the Governor of the State of California. I take my Oath of Office and duties seriously. I do not believe that I'm entitled. Furthermore, I understand that I am a public servant and act accordingly. This I place ALL ORHERS before myself..... Especially the Soldiers in which I have the privilege of commanding!

Somebody needs to inform many folks in leadership positions within our Country that the higher they are in the COC the farther back they go in the chow line....

Just sayin.....

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 12 at 2014 11:27 AM

2014-12-12T11:27:43-05:00

I agree they should fly Coach. They get over way to much!

V/r

1SG Haro

Response by GySgt Moses Lozano made Sep 30 at 2015 10:08 PM

2015-09-30T22:08:41-04:00

Good idea let's see if they will pass it! Yeah right the only Congress will ever work quickly on is for a raise.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 30 at 2015 10:09 PM

2015-09-30T22:09:19-04:00

Hell yes!

Response by SSG Jerel Parker made Sep 30 at 2015 10:17 PM

2015-09-30T22:17:54-04:00

If they are public servants representing the people, then they should welcome the chance to ride coach with their constituents and get first hand information on how thier districts are doing, and the feel of the people, because they are supposed to represent us, not be better than us. George Washington had to borrow money to get to his own inaugeration, and a few Senators and Representatives think they are better than him? I don't think so, and if they were to actually do their jobs then they wouldn't have to worry about meager things like flight catagories, because they would be right along with their constituents and have to wait right along with us all, with delayed flights and see what we have to contend with, then maybe they could see their way fit to do their job right the first time.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Sep 30 at 2015 11:17 PM

2015-09-30T23:17:07-04:00

Yep. Unless they're paying out of their own pocket (not campaign money, personal money).

Response by SGT Jerrold Pesz made Sep 30 at 2015 11:26 PM

2015-09-30T23:26:20-04:00

I think that they should fly anyway that THEY are willing to pay for.

Response by LTC Kevin B. made Oct 1 at 2015 9:43 AM

2015-10-01T09:43:42-04:00

I'm not sure coach is appropriate. Maybe "business class or below" is more appropriate. They do spend a lot of time traveling, and they do need some accommodation while traveling so they can remain productive (all sarcasm aside). I think first class is overboard though.