Your Money, Their Ride

Cal Thomas | Syndicated Columnist | Updated: May 21, 2008

Your Money, Their Ride


May 5, 2008

Did you know that certain members of the House of Representatives drive cars that you pay for? I’m talking luxury cars. Democratic Congresswoman Louise Slaughter of New York pays $808 per month for hers. Actually, she doesn’t pay for it; you and I pay for it. Another New York congressman, Michael McNulty, tops slaughter with his Mercury Mariner Hybrid that costs us $816 per month.

Congressional records show about 125 House members make use of this unique perk, including Harlem Congressman Charlie Rangel, whose 2004 Cadillac DeVille leases for $777.54 per month. It has a 300-horsepower engine and, according to Rangel, is one of the bigger Cadillacs. He says he has a desk in it and “it’s like an airplane.”

The cars come under the allowance for office operations. With gas prices soaring and many Americans struggling, why don’t members of Congress ride the subway or take the bus? I’m Cal Thomas, paying for my own car in Washington.


 

Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.

Your Money, Their Ride