Lawmakers Keep Expenses Off-Line
T.W. Farnam,
Louise Radnofsky and
Elizabeth Williamson
Updated June 1, 2009 11:59 pm ET
WASHINGTON -- Lawmakers have demanded greater openness from companies receiving government bailouts but have yet to release online or electronic versions of their own office expenditures -- including taxpayer-funded tabs for leased cars and staff retreats at hotels.
House and Senate lawmakers are given an annual allowance of $1.3 million to $4.5 million to run their offices. Most is spent on staff salaries, but money is also used for official equipment, office supplies and travel.