The reality, of course, is that if the entire budget for Congress were reduced to zero it would not even cause a blip in the deficit-radar screen. Even those Americans who have enough sense not to be seduced by this argument generally are susceptible to believing reports of congressional perks. However, every Senator in this body knows, by dint of repeated and sorry experience, that the job of being a Senator is not a cushy ride in the lap of luxury. Instead, when Senators are elected, they embark on the special treatment of a 6-year gauntlet. Our every move is reported and criticized, from our work to our vacations to every dot and dash on our tax returns, which we must make public.
Meetings start before sunrise and last late into the evening without reprise.
Weekends are spent barnstorming around one's State, meeting with civic groups, attending dedication ceremonies, addressing constituent problems, and attending town meetings. After long, grueling weekends spent at home, Senators often look forward to the more leisurely pace of 12-plus hour workdays in Washington. The norm in this job is to work 80-100 hour workweeks. However, the logistics of our responsibilities make it imperative that we be able to get quickly from place to place. For instance, we are elected to vote, and our constituents expect us not to miss roll call votes.