All the residents of the modest 19th-century home on C Street, near the Library of Congress, are congressmen whose families remained behind in their home states. Like their 20-something neighbors, they enjoy the camaraderie and cheap rent the arrangement provides. And they avoid Washington's infamous traffic by walking to work. We've all become very close friends,'' said Rep. Bart Stupak, D-Mich. R-Tenn., who helped organize the housing arrangement in 1997.
Congressmen living together has a long history.
Former presidents Abraham Lincoln, Millard Fillmore and James Buchanan were some of the many politicians who stayed in Capitol Hill boarding houses while serving in Congress. The seven congressmen live in tight quarters. Renovations had to be made so they wouldn't have to share bedrooms. Wamp said they don't have maid service, and everyone is expected to help with household chores. He said the house is the most popular place on the Hill to watch the NCAA college basketball tournament and to eat take-out Chinese food late at night.