Gwen Graham Looks to Crack Down on Congressional Perks

U.S. Rep. Gwen Graham, D-Fla., showcased the Congressional Travel Perks Elimination Act which would ensure members of Congress wont use public funds to pay for first-class rides on airplanes and on long-term car leases. U.S. Rep. Rod Blum, R-Iowa, is co-sponsoring the bill which was sent to the House Committee on House Administration on Friday.

"Nine months ago, I pledged if elected I would work to end wasteful congressional perks, Graham said on Tuesday as she trumpeted the bill. Today, I'm following through on that promise.

"It's a common-sense idea that Republicans and Democrats can both agree on: members of Congress shouldn't be able to charge taxpayers for first-class airfare or long-term personal car leases, Graham added.

The freshman congresswoman noted that reports show more than 100 congressmen use long-term car leases with some of them being $825 a month.

"I don't know anyone in North Florida with an $800 car lease, and the taxpayers here certainly shouldn't be paying for a member of Congress to have such an overpriced perk," Graham said.