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Congressional Salaries and Allowances: In Brief

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Order Code RL30064 CRS Report for Congress Received through the CRS Web Congressional Salaries and Allowances: The Congress Updated November 22, 1999 Updated January 26, 2004 Paul E. Dwyer Specialist in American National Government Government and Finance Division Congressional Research Service ˜ The Library of Congress ABSTRACT This report provides basic information on congressional salaries and allowances. Among the topics discussed are salaries of Members of Congress, outside earned income and honoraria limits, health insurance, and retirement provisions applicable to them. The report also discusses the official office and staff allowances available to Members, and the salaries of other top-level legislative branch employees. This report will be updated to reflect changes. Salaries and Allowances: The CongressCongressional Salaries and Allowances Summary This report provides basic information on congressional salaries and allowances. First, the report briefly summarizes the current salary of Members of Congress, limits on their outside earned income and honoraria, and applicable health insurance and retirement benefits. Second, the report provides information on allowances available to Representatives and Senators to support them in their official and representational duties as Members. Their allowances include those for official office expenses, staff, mail, and other allowances and services. Third, the report provides the salaries and allowances available to the Speaker of the House and the Vice President, as presidentPresident of the Senate, and lists the salaries of congressional officers and officials and committee staff. Sources of this information are hearings, reports, debates, and language of regular annual and supplemental legislative branch appropriations acts; the Committee on House Administration; the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration; the House Members' Congressional Handbook; the U.S. Senate Handbook; the House Franking Commission; the U.S. Code (1994 ed.); the U.S. Code Annotated; the quarterly Statement of Disbursements of the House As Compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer; and the semi–annual Report of the Secretary of the Senate. Contents Compensation of Members of Congress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Outside Earned Income and Honoraria Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Senators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tax Deductions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Insurance and Retirement Provisions for Members of Congress . . . . . . . . . Health Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Life Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 Personnel, Office Expenses, and Mail Allowances for U.S. Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . House Allowance System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Personnel Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Official Office Expenses Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Official Mail Allowance (Franking Privilege) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Other Allowances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Public Document Envelope Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Travel Allowance for Organizational Caucuses or Conferences . . . . . . 2 2 2 3 4 4 4 4 Personnel, Office Expenses, and Mail Allowances for U.S. Senators . . . . . . . . . 5 Senate Allowance System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Personnel Allowances: Administrative and Clerical Assistance and Legislative Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Administrative and Clerical Assistance Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Legislative Assistance Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Official Office Expense Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Official Mail Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Other Allowances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Senate Interns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Paper, Letterhead, and Envelope Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Public Document Envelope Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Office Space in States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Mobile Office Space for Senators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Furniture and Furnishings in Washington, D.C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Furniture and Furnishings in State Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Office Equipment in Washington, D.C., and State Offices . . . . . . . . . . 9 Compensation and Allowances of the Vice President (As President of the Senate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Expense Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Clerk Hire, as President of the Senate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice Presidential Protection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 10 10 10 10 10 Compensation and Allowances of the Speaker of the House of Representatives ........................................................ Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salaries and Expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Retirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 10 10 10 11 Compensation of Other Congressional Officers and Officials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 House of Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Senate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Compensation of Standing Committee Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 House of Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Senate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Salaries and Allowances: The Congress Compensation of Members of Congress Compensation $136,700 per annum for Senators and Representatives. Outside Earned Income and Honoraria Limits Representatives. Representatives are prohibited from accepting honoraria. Permissible outside earned income is limited to 15% of salary; however, certain types of outside earned income are prohibited. Senators. Senators are prohibited from accepting honoraria. This prohibition became effective August 14, 1991. Senators who earned honoraria prior to August 14, 1991, were entitled to retain their earnings. Permissible outside earned income is limited to 15% of salary; however, certain types of outside earned income are prohibited. Tax Deductions Representatives and Senators are allowed to deduct, for income tax purposes, living expenses up to $3,000 per annum, while away from their congressional districts or home states. Insurance and Retirement Provisions for Members of Congress Health Insurance. Members are eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits program and may select from among several health benefit plans. Participation is on a voluntary, contributory basis. Life Insurance. Members are eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance program. The amount of coverage for personal insurance is determined by a formula based on the coverage elected. Retirement. Various options are available to Members regarding participation in the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees Retirement System. Participation in Social Security is mandatory for Members. CRS-2 Personnel, Office Expenses, and Mail Allowances for U.S. Representatives House Allowance System Representatives have one allowance available to support them in their official and representational duties to the districts from which elected. This allowance is the Members' representational allowance, comprised of three individual allowances, each of which has a separate authorized dollar limit. The three allowances are personnel, official office expenses, and official (franked) mail. The personnel allowance component is the same for each Member. The office expenses and mail allowances components vary from Member to Member. Appropriations allocated for each allowance can be used to pay expenses from any of the three allowances. These allowances are authorized in statute and are regulated and adjusted by the Committee on House Administration. Funding is provided in a single appropriations heading "Members' Representational Allowances" within the House account "Salaries and Expenses." The allowances are not to be used to defray any personal, political, or campaignrelated expenses. Each Representative is personally responsible for payment of any expenses incurred in support of the official and representational duties that exceed the set allowances. Allowances are authorized from January 3 of each year to January 2 of the following year. The average representational allowance, comprised of the three individual allowances, is over $1,000,000. Personnel Allowance The personnel allowance is available for employment of staff in a Representative's Washington, D.C., and district offices. Each Member is entitled to an annual personnel allowance of $632,355 for not to exceed 18 permanent employees. As many as four additional employees may be designated by the Member, but need not be counted as permanent employees, if they fall into one of the following categories: (1) part-time employees; (2) employees drawing compensation from more than one employing authority of the House; (3) interns receiving pay; (4) employees on leave without pay; and (5) temporary employees. Employees' salaries are set at annual rates of not more than $132,159. CRS-3 Official Office Expenses Allowance The official office expenses allowance is available to pay ordinary and necessary business expenses incurred in support of official and representational duties to the district from which a Member has been elected. A base allowance of $127,724 is authorized to each Member. There are two allowances in addition to the base allowances: (1) a sum for travel based on the following formula: the distance between the District of Columbia and the farthest point in a Member's district multiplied by 64, multiplied by a per mile rate that ranges from 39 cents to 23 cents, depending on distance; this account is in no case to be less than $6,200; and (2) the dollar equivalent to 2,500 square feet multiplied by the highest applicable rate per square foot charged federal agencies by the administrator of the General Services Administration in the district for rental of office space. The official office expenses allowance may be used for costs of travel, office equipment lease, district office rental, stationery (including paper, envelopes, and other supplies), telecommunications, printing, postage, computer services, and other expenses. The following items or classes of items are excluded from those that may be paid from the allowance: (1) expenses relating to the hiring and employment of individuals, including, but not limited to, employment service fees, transportation of interviewees to and from employment interviews, costs of relocation upon acceptance or termination of employment, and costs of relocation incidental to a change in duty station; (2) items purchased from other than the House stationery store that have a useful life in excess of the current term of the Member, and that would have a residual value of more than $25 upon the expiration of the current term of the Member; (3) holiday greeting cards, flowers, and trophies; (4) personal advertisements (other than meeting or appearance notices); (5) donations of any type, except flags of the United States flown over the Capitol and items purchased for use as gifts when on official travel for the House of Representatives outside the United States, its territories, or possessions; (6) dues or assessments; CRS-4 (7) educational expenses for courses of study, information and training programs, unless the benefit accrues primarily to the House and the skill or knowledge is not commonly available; (8) purchases of radio and television time; and (9) parking for Members and employees at district offices, except when included as part of the lease or occupancy agreement for the district office space. Official Mail Allowance (Franking Privilege) Representatives are authorized the privilege of sending mail as franked mail in the conduct of official business to assist them in their duties as Members of Congress. Requirements on use of the frank and mass mailings are established in statute and regulations and rules of the House. Use of the frank is the personal responsibility of each Representative. The franked mail postage allowance is based on a formula in which three is multiplied by the rate applicable to a single piece of first class mail, by the number of non-business addresses in a Representative's district. The allowance may be used to pay the costs of first, third, or fourth class franked mail. It may not be used to pay for certain specified mailing costs, for example, express mail.1 Since the official mail allowance is combined with the personnel and office expenses allowances, there is no limit on the amount of money a Member can spend on franked mail from the combined allowances.2 Other Allowances Public Document Envelope Allowance. Each Representative is entitled to an allowance of 40,000 brown or white "Public Document" envelopes per month, imprinted with the Representative’s frank. The allowance is cumulative during the two sessions of Congress. Travel Allowance for Organizational Caucuses or Conferences. Each Member–elect and one designated staff person who attend an organizational caucus or conference after the adjournment of the Congress in the year involved are to be paid for one round trip each between their place of residence in the district and Washington, D.C., for the purpose of attending such caucus or conference. Each incumbent Member reelected to the ensuing Congress and one designated staff person who attend any such caucus or conference are also provided this allowance. 1 Regulations on proper use of the frank are set by the Committee on House Administration and the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards. 2 The limitation was removed effective July 30, 1998. CRS-5 Each Member–elect (other than an incumbent Member reelected to the ensuing Congress) who attends such caucus or conference is also authorized to be reimbursed on a per diem or other basis for expenses incurred in connection with attendance. Personnel, Office Expenses, and Mail Allowances for U.S. Senators Senate Allowance System Senators have three official allowances available to them for personnel and official office expenses. They are the administrative and clerical assistance allowance, the legislative assistance allowance, and the official office expense allowance. The administrative and clerical assistance allowance and the office expense allowance are governed by formula and authorized limits. The legislative assistance allowance is a set amount for all Senators. All three allowances are funded together in a single appropriation subaccount "Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account" within the appropriations account "Contingent Expenses of the Senate." The total amount available to a Senator is the total of the two personnel allowances (administrative and clerical assistance and legislative assistance) and the office expenses allowance combined. Within this limit, a Senator is permitted to use funds as he determines, subject to regulations applicable to official mail. 3 The allowance for all three components ranges from $1,823,086 to $3,144,999. The combined account is available to support only the official duties of Senators. The account is not to be used to defray any personal, political, or campaign-related expenses. Senators are responsible for payment of any expenses incurred in support of official duties which exceed the set allowances of the individual accounts. Personnel Allowances: Administrative and Clerical Assistance and Legislative Assistance Two personnel allowances are available for each Senator to use in the employment of staff in his or her Washington congressional office and home state office(s). Administrative and Clerical Assistance Allowance. The administrative and clerical assistance allowance is allocated according to the population of a Senator's state. The allowance varies from $1,298,507, for a Senator representing a state with a population less than 5,000,000, to $2,274,096, for a Senator representing a state with a population of 28,000,000, or more. 3 Regulations are set by the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. CRS-6 Each Senator may set the rates of compensation for staff in his or her personal offices at not to exceed $132,159 per person. Legislative Assistance Allowance. The allowance authorizes each Senator $396,477 for the appointment of three legislative assistants, to be paid at a maximum annual rate of $132,159. Official Office Expense Allowance Senators are authorized use of an official office expense allowance for official Senate business. Each Senator's account varies due to factors used in setting the individual allowance amounts. These factors are primarily the distance between Washington, D.C., and the home state, and the population of the state. Allowances range from $128,102 to $474,426 per fiscal year. Expenditure categories include the following: (1) telecommunications equipment and services for Washington, D.C., and the home state, subject to regulations set by the Committee on Rules and Administration; (2) stationery and other office supplies, whether purchased from the Senate stationery store or elsewhere, and metered charges for use of copying equipment provided by the Senate sergeant at arms and doorkeeper. Costs of purchases from the stationery store are deducted from a Senator's account, while other purchases are reimbursable; (3) preparation of required official reports, acquisition of mailing lists to be used for official purposes, and the mailing, delivery, and transmittal of matters relating to official business; (4) mass mailings, for which $50,000 is provided in a fiscal year for each Senator; (5) official office expenses incurred for an office in a Senator's home state other than for equipment and furniture and those expenses described in categories 1-3 (above); (6) publications printed or recorded for auditory and visual use, including subscriptions to books, newspapers, magazines, clipping, and other information services, purchases of books and other publications, and fees to access computer databanks; (7) travel expenses incurred by a Senator and employees in his or her office, including certain detailed employees, while traveling on official business within the United States. However, a Senator and employees are not reimbursed for travel expenses (other than actual transportation expenses) for travel occurring during the 60 days immediately before the date of any primary or general election in which the Senator is a candidate for public office; CRS-7 (8) additional office equipment and related services for Washington, D.C., and home state offices (but not including personal services), based upon regulations issued by the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. Regulations include guidance on the placement, maintenance, inventory control, and disposition of equipment; (9) recording and photographic services and products obtained through the Senate recording and photographic studios; and (10) other official expenses as a Senator determines are necessary, such as conference fees, expenses for town meetings, and procurement of non–standard equipment, among other expenses. Additionally, the official office expense account can be used to meet expenses incurred by individuals selected by a Senator to serve on a panel or other body making recommendations for nominees to federal judgeships, the position of U.S. attorney or U.S. marshal, service academies, and Pearson Fellow positions. Transportation, per diem, and certain other expenses incurred in performing duties as a member of such panel or other body are paid out of the office expense account. The office expense account is to be used only for official office expenses by a Senator and his or her employees, with no limitation on the amount which can be spent in any one category. Payment for, or reimbursement of, the following expenses is not allowed: (1) commuting, including parking fees incurred in commuting; (2) purchase of holiday greeting cards, flowers, trophies, awards, and certificates; (3) donations or gifts of any type, except gifts of flags flown over the United States Capitol, copies of the book, We the People, and copies of the calendar, We the People, published by the U.S. Capitol Historical Society. (4) dues or assessments; (5) purchase of radio or television time, or for space in newspaper or other print media, except classified advertising for personnel to be employed in a Senator's office; (6) expenses incurred by an individual who is not an employee, except an individual selected by a Senator to serve on a panel or other body that makes recommendations for nominees to service academies, federal judgeships, U.S. attorney and U.S. marshal positions, and Pearson Fellow positions; (7) travel expenses by employees in excess of those authorized by statute, except that, in cases of contested elections, per diem is not reimbursable 60 days prior to the election; CRS-8 (8) relocation expenses incurred by an employee in connection with the commencement or termination of employment, or change of duty station; and (9) compensation paid to an individual for personal services performed in a normal employer–employee relationship. This language has been interpreted to prohibit contracts for services between staff and Member. All personal office staff must be on the Senate payroll. Payment of, or reimbursement for, the following expenses is specifically prohibited by law: (1) expenses incurred for entertainment or meals [2 U.S.C. 58 (a)]; (2) payment of additional compensation to an employee [2 U.S.C. 68]; (3) expenses incurred for the maintenance or care of private vehicles (contained in each annual legislative branch appropriations act); and (4) furniture from home state offices [2 U.S.C. 58(a)]. All expenses reimbursed to or on behalf of a Senator are required to be published in the semiannual Report of the Secretary of the Senate. Official Mail Account Senators are authorized the privilege of sending mail as franked mail in the conduct of official business to assist them in their duties as Members of Congress. Requirements on use of the frank and mass mailings are established in statute and regulations and rules of the Senate, and interpretative rulings of the Senate Ethics Committee. Each Senator is authorized a specific dollar allotment for franked mail based on population. This amount is combined with each Senator’s official office expense allowance. Other Allowances Senate Interns. Senators may employ interns during the academic year and during the summer. Senators determine their own financial arrangements for such employment. Paper, Letterhead, and Envelope Allowance. An annual paper allowance of blank sheets (memo, offset paper), letterheads, and white envelopes for each Senator is based on his or her state's voting age population. Senators from states with 3,000,000 or fewer voting–age constituents are entitled to 1,800,000 sheets of paper per year. All other Senators are entitled to 1-1/3 sheets of paper per year per adult constituent. The letterheads and envelopes allowance is based also on the voting age population of a Senator's state. CRS-9 The range of sheets of paper is 1,800,000 to 30,394,667 pieces. The range for letterheads and envelopes is 180,000 to 1,872,399 pieces. Public Document Envelope Allowance. Each Senator is entitled to a monthly allowance of public document envelopes imprinted with the Senator's frank. The allowance is based on state population and ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 envelopes. It is a two–year, cumulative allowance. Office Space in States. Each Senator is authorized to secure, in an amount determined by law, suitable office space in federal buildings in the state he or she represents. In the event suitable office space is not available in federal buildings, a Senator is authorized to lease privately owned office space. The cost in private space is not to exceed the highest rate per square foot charged by the General Services Administration (GSA). The aggregate square feet of office space that can be secured for a Senator ranges in 13 categories from 5,000 square feet, if the population of the state is less than 3,000,000, to 8,200 square feet, if the state's population is 17,000,000, or more. There is no restriction on the number of offices. Mobile Office Space for Senators. Each Senator is entitled to lease one mobile office for use only in the state he or she represents. He or she is authorized to be reimbursed for rent and nonpersonnel costs of operating the office. There are limitations on the terms of the lease, the maximum annual rental payment, and reimbursable operating costs. No reimbursement is to be made for expenses incurred during the 60 days preceding a contested election. Furniture and Furnishings in Washington, D.C. Each Senator is authorized furniture and furnishings from an approved list. Furniture and furnishings are supplied and maintained by the Architect of the Capitol (for spaces in Senate office buildings) and the sergeant at arms (for offices in the Capitol). Additional furnishings can be purchased through the Senate stationery store. Examples of additional furnishings are U.S. flags, state flags, and flagpoles. Furniture and Furnishings in State Offices. Each Senator is authorized a dollar amount of $40,000 for state office furniture and furnishings for one or more offices, if the aggregate square feet of office space is not in excess of 5,000 square feet. The aggregate amount of $40,000 is increased by $1,000 for each authorized additional incremental increase in office space of 200 square feet. Therefore, the aggregate dollar amount ranges from $40,000 to $56,000. Law provides that this allowance is to be automatically increased at the beginning of each Congress to reflect inflation. The aggregate dollar amount authorized represents the maximum dollar value of furniture and furnishings that may be checked out from stock of the General Services Administration (GSA) for use in state offices at any one time. Furniture and furnishings remain the property of GSA. Office Equipment in Washington, D.C., and State Offices. Each Senator receives use of certain basic office equipment that is allocated in accordance with the population of the state he or she represents and other factors that have been stipulated by the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. CRS-10 Compensation and Allowances of the Vice President (As President of the Senate) Compensation $175,400 per annum. Expense Allowance $10,000 per annum, not taxable or allowable as a deduction under the Internal Revenue Code, when reimbursed for actual expenses incurred. Clerk Hire, as President of the Senate $1,721,000 for FY2000. Retirement Retirement benefits, based on age and length of service, as well as prior military and federal government service, are available to the Vice President, upon application. Vice Presidential Protection The vice president is entitled to protection of the U.S. Secret Service. Compensation and Allowances of the Speaker of the House of Representatives Compensation $175,400 per annum. Salaries and Expenses $1,740,000 for FY2000, including funds for six statutory staff positions, a lump sum allowance, and $25,000 for the Speaker’s official expenses allowances. This amount is in addition to any other benefits received as an elected Member of the House. The lump sum allowance is statutorily authorized for personnel and nonpersonnel expenses. Personnel The Speaker is allowed six statutory staff members and other personnel as needed as Speaker, in addition to his personnel allowance as a Representative. CRS-11 Retirement The Speaker, as a Member of the House, is eligible to receive the same retirement benefits as a Member. A former Speaker is provided federal office space, equipment, furnishings, and staff for five years upon leaving office. Compensation of Other Congressional Officers and Officials House of Representatives Majority and minority leaders $151,800 per annum Chief administrative officer $135,200 per annum Clerk of the House $135,200 per annum Sergeant at arms $135,200 per annum Legislative counsel $135,200 per annum Law revision counsel $135,200 per annum Parliamentarian $135,200 per annum Inspector general $135,200 per annum General counsel to House $135,200 per annum Chaplain $135,200 per annum Senate Majority and minority leaders $151,800 per annum Secretary of the Senate $135,200 per annum Sergeant at arms and doorkeeper $135,200 per annum Legislative counsel $135,200 per annum Senate legal counsel $135,200 per annum Parliamentarian $133,900 per annum President pro tempore ($175,400 per annum when there is no Vice President) $151,800 per annum Chaplain $118,400 per annum CRS-12 Compensation of Standing Committee Employees House of Representatives The maximum salaries are $135,200 per annum for up to three staff members (two majority and one minority); $134,015 per annum for up to nine staff members (six majority and three minority)4; and a maximum of $132,159 for other staff. Senate The maximum salary is $134,015 per annum. 4 The chairman of the House Appropriations Committee is authorized to establish the pay of 24 employees, with seven of those employees to be designated by the ranking minority member. supplemental legislative branch appropriations acts; current Order of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, implementing a pay increase for House employees, effective January 1, 2004, issued January 3, 2004 (to be contained in 2 U.S.C. 60a-2a, [http://uscode.house.gov/usc.htm] and U.S. Code Annotated 2004 supplement to 2 U.S.C. 60a-2a to be printed in spring 2005); latest available Order of the President pro tempore, implementing a pay increase for Senate employees, effective January 1, 2003, issued December 19, 2002, and amended March 27, 2003 (see 2 U.S.C. 60a1, [http://uscode.house.gov/usc.htm] and to be printed in the U.S. Code Annotated 2003 supplement to 2 U.S.C. 60a-1 in spring 2004); House Members’ Congressional Handbook (2003 edition), prepared by the Committee on House Administration, [http://www.house.gov/cha/nhandbookbody1.htm#1]; the U.S. Code; the U.S. Code Annotated; and quarterly Statement of Disbursements of the House, compiled by the House Chief Administrative Officer, April 1, 2003, to June 30, 2003 (108th Congress, first session, H.Doc. 108-106, part 2 of 2, pp. 3229-3243); and the Office of Personnel Management for executive level pay rates to which some legislative employees are statutorily linked. This report will be updated as information is made available. Contents Compensation of Members of Congress and Related Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Outside Earned Income and Honoraria Limits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Tax Deductions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Health and Life Insurance Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Health Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Life Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Retirement Provisions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Personnel, Office Expenses, and Mail Allowances for U.S. Representatives . . . 2 House Allowance System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Personnel Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Official Office Expenses Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Official Mail Allowance (Franking Privilege) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Other Allowances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Public Document Envelope Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Travel Allowance for Organizational Caucuses or Conferences . . . . . . 5 Personnel, Office Expenses, and Mail Allowances for U.S. Senators . . . . . . . . . . 6 Senate Allowance System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Personnel Allowances: Administrative and Clerical Assistance and Legislative Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Administrative and Clerical Assistance Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Legislative Assistance Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Official Office Expense Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Official Mail Account . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Other Allowances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Senate Interns . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Office Space in States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Mobile Office Space for Senators . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Furniture and Furnishings in Washington, DC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Furniture and Furnishings in State Offices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Office Equipment in Washington, DC, and State Offices . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Compensation and Allowances of the Vice President (As President of the Senate) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Expense Allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Salaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Retirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Compensation and Allowances of the Speaker of the House of Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Expenses and Salaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Retirement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Compensation of Other Congressional Officers and Officials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 House of Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Senate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Compensation of Standing Committee Employees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 House of Representatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Senate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Congressional Salaries and Allowances Compensation of Members of Congress and Related Benefits Compensation Compensation is $157,000 per annum for Representatives and Senators. Outside Earned Income and Honoraria Limits Permissible outside earned income for Representatives and Senators is limited to 15% of their salary.1 Certain types of outside earned income however are prohibited.2 A Member may not receive compensation for affiliating with or being employed by a firm, partnership, association, corporation, or other entity providing professional services involving a fiduciary relationship; allowing his/her name to be used by such a firm, partnership, association, corporation, or other entity; practicing a profession involving a fiduciary relationship; serving as a member or officer of the board of an association, corporation, or other entity; and teaching without prior notification to and approval of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics, in the case of Senators, or the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, in the case of Representatives. Representatives and Senators are also prohibited from accepting honoraria. The acceptance of honoraria was prohibited by Senators effective August 14, 1991. Senators who earned honoraria prior to that date were entitled to retain their earnings. Tax Deductions Members are allowed to deduct, for income tax purposes, living expenses up to $3,000 per annum, while away from their congressional districts or home states. 1 Outside earned income generally includes monetary wages, salaries, fees, and any other sums received as payment for personal services rendered. 2 Members may not receive compensation for affiliating with a firm, partnership, association, corporation, or other entity providing professional services involving a fiduciary relationship; allowing his/her name to be used by a firm, partnership, association, corporation, or other entity; practicing a profession involving fiduciary relationships; serving as a member or officer of the board of an association, corporation, or other entity; and teaching without prior notification and approval of the Senate Select Committee on Ethics, in the case of Senators, or the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, in the case of Representatives. CRS-2 Health and Life Insurance Provisions Health Insurance. Members are eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program and may select from among several health benefit plans. Participation is on a voluntary, contributory basis. Life Insurance. Members are eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program. The amount of coverage for personal insurance is determined by a formula based on the coverage elected. Retirement Provisions Various options are available to Members regarding participation in the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees Retirement System. Participation in Social Security is mandatory for Members.3 Personnel, Office Expenses, and Mail Allowances for U.S. Representatives House Allowance System Representatives have one allowance available to support them in their official and representational duties to the districts from which they were elected. This allowance is the Members’ representational allowance, comprised of three individual allowances, each of which has a separate authorized dollar limit. The three allowances are personnel, official office expenses, and official (franked) mail. The personnel allowance component is the same for each Member. The office expenses and mail allowances components vary from Member to Member. Appropriations allocated for each allowance can be used to pay expenses from any of the three allowances. These allowances are authorized in statute and are regulated and adjusted by the Committee on House Administration. Funding is provided under a single appropriations heading, “Members’ Representational Allowances,” within the House account “Salaries and Expenses.” The Members’ representational allowances ranged from $701,136 to $1,636,750 in calendar year 2003.4 Allowances are authorized from January 3 of each year through January 2 of the following year. 3 See CRS Report RL30631, Retirement Benefits for Members of Congress, by Patrick Purcell. 4 U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer, from Apr. 1, 2003 to June 30, 2003, part 2 of 2, H. Doc. 108-106, 108th Cong., 1st sess., (Washington: GPO, 2003), pp. 3230-3243. CRS-3 All personnel, office, and official mail expenses reimbursed to or on behalf of a Member are reported in the quarterly Statement of Disbursements of the House. Personnel Allowance The personnel allowance is available for employment of staff in a Representative’s Washington, DC, and district offices. Each Member was entitled to an annual personnel allowance of $748,312 in 2003 for no more than 18 permanent employees.5 As many as four additional employees may be designated by the Member, but need not be counted as permanent employees, if they fall into one of the following categories: (1) part-time employees; (2) employees drawing compensation from more than one employing authority of the House; (3) interns receiving pay; (4) employees on leave without pay; and (5) temporary employees. Employees’ salaries are set at annual rates of not more than $151,974.6 Official Office Expenses Allowance The official office expenses allowance is available to pay ordinary and necessary business expenses incurred in support of official and representational duties to the district from which a Member has been elected. A base allowance of $187,236 was authorized to each Member in 2003.7 There are two allowances in addition to the base allowance: (1) a sum for travel based on the following formula: 64 times the rate per mile (see table below) multiplied by the mileage between Washington, DC, and the furthest point in a Member’s district,8 plus 10%. The rates per mile that apply are as follows: 5 Ibid., p. 3229. 6 U.S. Congress, House, Order of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, implementing a pay increase for House employees, effective Jan. 1, 2004, issued Jan. 3, 2004 (to be contained in 2 U.S.C. 60a-2a, [http://uscode.house.gov/usc.htm] and U.S. Code Annotated 2004 supplement to 2 U.S.C. 60a-2a to be printed in spring 2005). 7 U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer, from Apr. 1, 2003 to June 30, 2003, p. 3229. 8 Distance is based on the Rand McNally Standard Highway Mileage Guide. CRS-4 Mileage Between Washington, DC, and the Furthest Point in a Member’s District Rate Per Mile Fewer than 500 miles $ .96 500 to 749 miles .86 750 to 999 miles .66 1,000 to 1,749 miles .60 1,750 to 2,249 miles .51 2,250 to 2,499 miles .48 2,500 to 2,999 miles .43 3,000 miles or more .36 The minimum mileage amount is $6,200 for a Member. (2) the dollar equivalent to 2,500 square feet multiplied by the applicable rental rate per square foot charged federal agencies by the administrator of the General Services Administration in a Member’s district. The official office expenses allowance may be used for travel costs, office equipment lease, district office rental, stationery (including paper, envelopes, and other supplies), telecommunications, printing, postage, computer services, and other expenses. The representational allowance is not to be used to defray any personal, political, or campaign-related expenses. A Member also may not use campaign funds to pay for expenses related to his or her official and representational duties; may not use an unofficial office account to support official and representational duties; accept from a private source any in kind assistance with a monetary value for an official activity; and may not use personal funds to pay for franked mail. A Member is responsible for personally paying for any official and representational expenses that are in excess of his or her representational allowance or that are not reimbursable under regulations of the Committee on House Administration.9 Official Mail Allowance (Franking Privilege) Representatives are authorized the privilege of sending mail as franked mail in the conduct of official business to assist them in their duties as Members of Congress. Requirements on the use of the frank and mass mailings are established in statute and the regulations and rules of the House. Use of the frank is the personal responsibility of each Representative. 9 U.S. Congress, House, Committee on House Administration, Members’ Congressional Handbook (regulations governing the Members’ Representational Allowance of the House of Representatives), 2003 [http://www.house.gov/cha/nhandbookbody1.htm#1]. CRS-5 The franked mail postage allowance is based on a formula in which the rate of a single piece of first class mail is multiplied by three, and the resulting figure is multiplied by the number of non-business addresses in a Representative’s district.10 The Committee on House Administration set the calendar year 2002 official mail allowance for each Member at 45% of the calculation based on the above formula.11 The allowance may be used to pay the costs of first, third, or fourth class franked mail. It may not be used to pay for certain specified mailing costs, for example, express mail.12 Since the official mail allowance is combined with the personnel and office expenses allowances, there is no limit on the amount of money a Member can spend on franked mail from the combined allowances. Other Allowances Public Document Envelope Allowance. Each Representative is entitled to an allowance of 40,000 brown or white “Public Document” envelopes per month, imprinted with the Representative’s frank. The allowance is cumulative during the two sessions of Congress. Travel Allowance for Organizational Caucuses or Conferences. Each Member-elect and one designated staff person who attend an organizational caucus or conference are to be paid for one round trip each between their place of residence in the district and Washington, DC, for the purpose of attending such caucus or conference. Each incumbent Member reelected to the ensuing Congress and one designated staff person who attend an organizational caucus or conference also receive this allowance. Each Member-elect (other than an incumbent Member reelected to the ensuing Congress) who attends such a caucus or conference is also authorized to be reimbursed on a per diem or other basis for expenses incurred in connection with attendance. 10 The number of addresses is determined by the postmaster general. The number is not to include business delivery stops. 11 U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer, from Apr. 1, 2003, to June 30, 2003, p. 3229. 12 Regulations on the proper use of the frank are set by the Committee on House Administration and the House Commission on Congressional Mailing Standards. CRS-6 Personnel, Office Expenses, and Mail Allowances for U.S. Senators Senate Allowance System Senators have three official allowances available to them for personnel and official office expenses. They are the administrative and clerical assistance allowance, the legislative assistance allowance, and the official office expense allowance. The administrative and clerical assistance allowance and the office expense allowance are governed by formula and authorized limits. The legislative assistance allowance is a set amount for all Senators. All three allowances are funded together in a single appropriation subaccount “Senators’ Official Personnel and Office Expense Account,” within the appropriation account “Contingent Expenses of the Senate.” The total amount available to a Senator is the total of the two personnel allowances (administrative and clerical assistance and legislative assistance) and the office expenses allowance combined. Within this limit, a Senator is permitted to use funds as he or she determines, subject to the regulations applicable to official mail.13 The total allowance for all three components ranges from $2,264,345 to $3,751,995 for FY2004.14 The combined account is available to support only the official duties of Senators. The account is not to be used to defray any personal, political, or campaign-related expenses. Senators are responsible for payment of any expenses incurred in support of official duties that exceed the set allowances of the individual accounts. All personnel, office, and official mail expenses reimbursed to or on behalf of a Senator are required to be published in the semiannual Report of the Secretary of the Senate. Personnel Allowances: Administrative and Clerical Assistance and Legislative Assistance Two personnel allowances are available for each Senator to use for staff employment in his or her Washington congressional office and home state office(s). 13 Regulations applicable to official mail are set by the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. 14 Source is U.S. Congress, Senate, Committee on Appropriations, Legislative Branch Appropriations, 2004, report to accompany S. 1383, 108th Cong., 1st sess., S.Rept. 108-88, July 10, 2003 (Washington: GPO, 2003), pp. 19- 20. The allowance was increased effective Jan. 1, 2003, pursuant to an Order of the President pro tempore, implementing a pay increase for Senate employees, effective Jan. 1, 2003, issued Dec. 19, 2002, and amended Mar. 27, 2003 (see 2 U.S.C. 60a-1, [http://uscode.house.gov/usc.htm] and U.S. Code Annotated 2003 supplement to 2 U.S.C. 60a-1 to be printed in spring 2004). CRS-7 Administrative and Clerical Assistance Allowance. The administrative and clerical assistance allowance is allocated according to the population of a Senator’s state. The allowance varies from $1,685,301 for a Senator representing a state with a population under 5,000,000 to $2,833,718 for a Senator representing a state with a population of 28,000,000 or more.15 Each Senator was authorized to set the rates of compensation for staff in his or her personal offices at a figure not to exceed $150,159 per person in 2003.16 Legislative Assistance Allowance. In 2003, the allowance authorized each Senator $450,477 for the appointment of three legislative assistants, to be paid at a maximum annual rate of $150,159.17 Official Office Expense Allowance Senators are authorized the use of an official office expense allowance for official Senate business. Each Senator’s account varies due to factors used in setting the individual allowance amounts. These factors are primarily the distance between Washington, DC, and the home state, the population of the state, and the official mail allocation. Allowances range from $128,567 to $467,800 annually.18 The office expense account is to be used only for official office expenses by a Senator and his or her employees. Official Mail Account Senators are authorized the privilege of sending mail as franked mail in the conduct of official business to assist them in their duties as Members of Congress. Requirements on the use of the frank and mass mailings are established in statute, regulations and rules of the Senate, and interpretative rulings of the Senate Ethics Committee. Each Senator is authorized a specific dollar allocation for franked mail, based on the number of addresses in his or her state. This amount is combined with each Senator’s official office expense allowance. The official mail allocations range from $31,746 to $298,850.19 15 Ibid. 16 Source is Order of the President pro tempore, implementing a pay increase for Senate employees, effective Jan. 1, 2003, issued Dec. 19, 2002, and amended Mar. 27, 2003 (see 2 U.S.C. 60a-1, [http://uscode.house.gov/usc.htm] and U.S. Code Annotated 2003 supplement to 2 U.S.C. 60a-1 to be printed in spring 2004). This figure will be revised when the President pro tempore’s order implementing the 2004 pay increase is available. 17 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Legislative Branch Appropriations Bill, 2004, report to accompany S. 1383, 108th Cong., 1st sess., S.Rept. 108-88, July 10, 2003 (Washington: GPO, 2003), p. 19. 18 U.S. Congress, Senate, Committee on Appropriations, Legislative Branch Appropriations, 2004, pp. 19-20. 19 Ibid. CRS-8 Other Allowances Senate Interns. Senators may employ interns during the academic year and during the summer. Senators determine their own financial arrangements for this employment. Office Space in States. Each Senator is authorized to secure, in an amount determined by law, suitable office space in federal buildings in the state he or she represents. In the event suitable office space is not available in federal buildings, a Senator is authorized to lease privately owned office space. The cost in private space is not to exceed the highest rate per square foot charged by the General Services Administration (GSA). The aggregate square footage of office space that can be secured for a Senator range in 13 categories from 5,000 square feet, if the population of the state is less than 3,000,000, to 8,200 square feet, if the state’s population is 17,000,000, or more.20 There is no restriction on the number of offices. Mobile Office Space for Senators. Each Senator is entitled to lease one mobile office for use only in the state he or she represents. He or she is authorized to be reimbursed for rent and the nonpersonnel costs of operating the office. There are limitations on the terms of the lease, the maximum annual rental payment, and reimbursable operating costs. No reimbursement is to be made for expenses incurred during the 60 days preceding a contested election. Furniture and Furnishings in Washington, DC. Each Senator is authorized furniture and furnishings from an approved list. Furniture and furnishings are supplied and maintained by the Architect of the Capitol (for spaces in Senate office buildings) and the sergeant at arms (for offices in the Capitol). Additional furnishings can be purchased through the Senate stationery store. Examples of additional furnishings are U.S. flags, state flags, and flagpoles. Furniture and Furnishings in State Offices. Each Senator is authorized a dollar amount of $40,000 for state office furniture and furnishings for one or more offices, if the aggregate square footage of office space does not exceed 5,000 square feet. The aggregate amount of $40,000 is increased by $1,000 for each authorized additional incremental increase in office space of 200 square feet.21 Law provides that this allowance is to be automatically increased at the beginning of each Congress to reflect inflation. The aggregate dollar amount is the maximum dollar value of furniture and furnishings to be checked out from General Services Administration (GSA) stock for state office use at any one time. Furniture and furnishings remain GSA property. Office Equipment in Washington, DC, and State Offices. Each Senator may use certain basic office equipment allocated in accordance with the population of the state he or she represents and other factors that have been stipulated by the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration. 20 2 U.S.C. 59(b). 21 2 U.S.C. 59(c)(2). CRS-9 Compensation and Allowances of the Vice President (As President of the Senate) Compensation Compensation is $201,600 per annum. Expense Allowance The annual allowance of $20,000 is not taxable or allowable as a deduction when the Member is reimbursed for actual expenses incurred.22 Salaries Appropriation is $ 2,028,000 for FY2004. Retirement Retirement benefits, based on age and length of service, as well as prior military and federal government service, are available to the Vice President, upon application. Compensation and Allowances of the Speaker of the House of Representatives Compensation Compensation is $201,600 per annum. Expenses and Salaries Appropriation is $2,630,000 for FY2004, including $25,000 for official expenses of the Speaker. This amount is available in addition to any other benefits the Speaker receives as an elected Member of the House. Personnel The Speaker is allowed personnel as needed as Speaker, in addition to the personnel allowance received as a Representative. 22 2 U.S.C. 111; P.L. 108-7, 117 Stat. 13, Feb. 20, 2003, FY2003 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act. CRS-10 Retirement The Speaker, as a Member of the House, is eligible to receive the same retirement benefits as a Member. A former Speaker is provided federal office space, equipment, furnishings, and staff for five years after leaving office.23 Compensation of Other Congressional Officers and Officials House of Representatives24 Majority and Minority Leaders $174,500 per annum Chief Administrative Officer $155,500 per annum Clerk of the House $155,500 per annum Sergeant at Arms $155,500 per annum Legislative Counsel $155,500 per annum Law revision Counsel $155,500 per annum Parliamentarian $155,500 per annum Inspector General $155,500 per annum General Counsel to House $155,500 per annum Chaplain $155,500 per annum 23 See CRS Report RS20099, Former Speakers of the House: Office Allowances, Franking Privileges, and Staff Assistance, by Paul E. Dwyer. 24 The Majority and Minority Leaders are paid at the same rate of pay as federal officials in Level I of the Executive Schedule [2 U.S.C. 31 and 2 U.S.C. 362; P.L. 101-194, 103 Stat. 1766, Nov. 30, 1989, Title VII, sec. 701(i)]. Executive Schedule Level I positions include cabinet-level officials. Source for other positions is U.S. Congress, House, Order of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, implementing a pay increase for House employees, effective Jan. 1, 2004, issued Jan. 3, 2004 (to be contained in 2 U.S.C. 60a-2a, [http://uscode.house.gov/usc.htm] and U.S. Code Annotated 2004 supplement to 2 U.S.C. 60a-2a to be printed in spring 2005. CRS-11 Senate25 Majority and Minority Leaders Secretary of the Senate Sergeant at Arms and Doorkeeper Legislative Counsel Senate Legal Counsel Parliamentarian President pro tempore ($201,600 per annum when there is no Vice President) Chaplain $174,500 per annum (in 2004) $153,200 per annum (in 2003) $153,200 per annum (in 2003) $153,200 per annum (in 2003) $153,200 per annum (in 2003) $152,015 per annum (in 2003) $174,500 per annum (in 2004) $136,000 per annum (in 2004)26 Compensation of Standing Committee Employees House of Representatives The maximum salaries are $155,500 per annum for up to three staff members (two majority and one minority); $154,036 per annum for up to nine staff members (six majority and three minority);27 and a maximum of $151,974 for other staff.28 25 The 2003 figures will be revised when the President pro tempore’s order implementing the 2004 pay increase is available. The Majority and Minority Leaders and the President pro tempore of the Senate are paid at the same rate as federal officials in Level I of the Executive Schedule [2 U.S.C. 31 and 2 U.S.C. 362; P.L. 101-194, 103 Stat. 1766, Nov. 30, 1989, Title VII, Sec. 701(i)]. Executive Schedule Level I positions include cabinet-level officials. The Secretary of the Senate, the Sergeant at Arms, the Legislative Counsel, and the Legal Counsel are paid the same salary as officers and officials of the House, including the Clerk, Sergeant at Arms, Chief Administrative Officer, Legislative Counsel, Law Revision Counsel, Parliamentarian, Inspector General, General Counsel to House, and Chaplain. Current salaries of Senate officers and officials are contained in the Order of the President pro tempore, implementing a pay increase for Senate employees, effective Jan. 1, 2003, issued Dec. 19, 2002, and amended Mar. 27, 2003 (see 2 U.S.C. 60a-1, [http://uscode.house.gov/usc.htm] and U.S. Code Annotated 2003 supplement to 2 U.S.C. 60a-1 to be printed in spring 2004). 26 The Chaplain is paid the same as federal officials in Level IV of the Executive Schedule. 27 The Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations may establish the salaries for 24 staff , seven of which are to be designed by the ranking minority party member. 28 Source is U.S. Congress, House, Order of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, implementing a pay increase for House employees, effective Jan. 1, 2004, issued Jan. 3, 2004 (to be contained in 2 U.S.C. 60a-2a, [http://uscode.house.gov/usc.htm] and U.S. Code Annotated 2004 supplement to 2 U.S.C. 60a-2a to be printed in spring 2005. CRS-12 Senate The maximum salary in 2003 was $152,015 per annum.29 29 Source is Order of the President pro tempore, implementing a pay increase for Senate employees, effective Jan. 1, 2003, issued Dec. 19, 2002, and amended Mar. 27, 2003 (see 2 U.S.C. 60a-1, [http://uscode.house.gov/usc.htm] and U.S. Code Annotated 2003 supplement to 2 U.S.C. 60a-1 in spring 2004). This figure will be revised when the President pro tempore’s order implementing the 2004 pay increase is available.