A rule change in Congress is allowing House members to expense lodging and food costs while in Washington, D.C. This change has sparked controversy over exactly what representatives are charging taxpayers for. Previously, House members were not able to use their Member’s Representational Allowance (MRA) for lodging and food costs, forcing them to cover these expenses out of pocket.
The new policy, enacted in early 2023, now allows House members to use their MRA for a wider range of expenses, including lodging and food. This change aims to address the financial burden on members who have had to pay for their D.C. residence and associated costs from their salaries. The lack of a per diem allowance for members of Congress has contributed to the wealth gap among lawmakers, with many resorting to sleeping in their offices or sharing living spaces.
Under the new rule, House members can now expense up to $34,000 for the weeks when Congress is in session. This does not increase taxpayer spending but allows members to use their MRA for additional expenses. The reimbursements do not require receipts, although members are encouraged to keep them for documentation.
In Nevada, only two out of the four House members claimed food or lodging expenses under the new policy. Reps. Mark Amodei and Susie Lee did not expense any food or lodging from their travel budgets. Rep. Dina Titus charged for lodging during an official trip to Brownsville, Texas, and for meals with community leaders in her district.
Rep. Steven Horsford claimed the most out of the Nevada delegation, expensing over $22,000 on lodging in 2023. These costs represent his rent during weeks when Congress is in session. Horsford’s reimbursements are allowed because he rents his residence in D.C. rather than owning property there.
The article also touches on other legislative actions by Nevada representatives, such as Rep. Jacky Rosen and Sen. Jacky Rosen’s efforts to stop the relocation of mail processing from Reno to Sacramento. Additionally, Sen. Catherine Cortez Masto introduced a bill to repeal the Comstock Act, which would protect the practice of sending abortion medication through the mail.
Overall, the new rule change allowing House members to expense lodging and food costs in D.C. has sparked debate over transparency and accountability in the use of taxpayer funds by lawmakers. This shift aims to address the financial challenges faced by members serving in Congress and ensure equitable access to resources while performing their duties.
