1. United States
2. Mo.
3. Letter

Families across this country are being told to sacrifice, tighten their belts, and “do more with less.” Yet Congress shields itself from the very discipline it demands of the people. Congress currently spends $6.4 billion every year on its own operations. Since 2011, the congressional budget has ballooned by 52%. Meanwhile, ordinary citizens are struggling with higher costs, stagnant wages, and cuts to essential programs. This is hypocrisy. If members of Congress expect Americans to sacrifice, they must lead by example. That means: • Cutting your own operating budget. • Laying off excess staff. • Ending wasteful perks and privileges. It’s time for Congress to practice what it preaches. I urge you to demand that your colleagues in the GOP take responsibility and reduce the bloated congressional budget before asking struggling families and communities to give up even more.