Congressional Salaries and Allowances: In Brief

Congressional Salaries and Allowances: In Brief June 27, 2024
This report provides basic information on congressional salaries and allowances.
Ida A. Brudnick
Updated August 28, 2025 (RL30064) Jump to Main Text of Report

Contents

• Compensation, Benefits, Allowances, and Selected Limitations
• Compensation
• Outside Earned Income Limits
• Prohibition on Honoraria
• Tax Deductions
• Health and Life Insurance Provisions
• Social Security Participation and Other Retirement Provisions
• The Members' Representational Allowance (MRA): Supporting Personnel, Office Expenses, Travel to the District, and Mail for Members of the House
• Formula Recalculation and Revision in 2023
• MRA Authorization Adjustments: History Since 2010
• MRA Appropriations
• Limitation on Number of Employees Hired by the MRA
• Online Publication of House Disbursement Records
• Government Publications and Recent Limitations
• The Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account (SOPOEA): Supporting Personnel, Office Expenses, and Mail for U.S. Senators
• Other Allowances
• Office Space in States, Including Mobile Office Space
• Furniture and Furnishings in Washington, DC
• Furniture and Furnishings in State Offices
• Office Equipment in Washington, DC, and State Offices
• Government Publications
• Online Publication of Senate Disbursement Records
• Compensation of Members and Maximum Rates of Compensation for Staff
• Maximum Rate for House and Senate Staff: Initial Change in 2020
• Subsequent Changes to House Staff Maximum Rates of Pay
• Subsequent Changes to Senate Staff Maximum Rates of Pay

Tables

• Table 1. Members and House Staff Maximum Salaries in 2025
• Table 2. Senators and Senate Staff Maximum Salaries in 2025

Summary

This report provides basic information on congressional salaries and allowances.

First, the report briefly summarizes the current salary of Members of Congress; limits or First, the report briefly summarizes the current salary of Members of Congress; limits or
Specialist on the Congress
prohibitions on their outside earned income, honoraria, and tax deductions; options for life and prohibitions on their outside earned income, honoraria, and tax deductions; options for life and

health insurance; and retirement benefits.health insurance; and retirement benefits.

Second, the report provides information on allowances available to Representatives and Senators Second, the report provides information on allowances available to Representatives and Senators
to support them in their official and representational duties. These allowances cover official office expenses, including staff, to support them in their official and representational duties. These allowances cover official office expenses, including staff,
mail, travel between a Membermail, travel between a Member’'s district or state and Washington, DC, equipment, and other goods and services. Although s district or state and Washington, DC, equipment, and other goods and services. Although
the House and Senate allowances are structured differently, both are determined by formulas based on variables from the the House and Senate allowances are structured differently, both are determined by formulas based on variables from the
district or state (e.g., distance from Washington, DC).district or state (e.g., distance from Washington, DC).
Third, the report lists the salaries of Members of Congress and salary limits for House and Senate staff.Third, the report lists the salaries of Members of Congress and salary limits for House and Senate staff.
The most recent laws that have changed benefits for Members of Congress include the following:The most recent laws that have changed benefits for Members of Congress include the following:
• the implementation of P.L. 111-148, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, changed the available the implementation of P.L. 111-148, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, changed the available
health care options for Members of Congress and certain staff from the Federal Employees Health Benefits health care options for Members of Congress and certain staff from the Federal Employees Health Benefits
Program (FEHB) to health plans offered through health care exchanges established by the act; andProgram (FEHB) to health plans offered through health care exchanges established by the act; and
• P.L. 115-97, the 2017 tax revision, eliminated the tax deduction of up to $3,000 for living expenses P.L. 115-97, the 2017 tax revision, eliminated the tax deduction of up to $3,000 for living expenses
incurred by Members of Congress.incurred by Members of Congress.
Further information on salaries of Members of Congress may be found in CRS Report 97-1011, Further information on salaries of Members of Congress may be found in CRS Report 97-1011, Salaries of Members of
Congress: Recent Actions and Historical Tables and CRS Report 97-615, Salaries of Members of Congress: Congressional
Votes, 1990-2024, by Ida A. Brudnick. , by Ida A. Brudnick.
Additional information on other topics may be found in reports referenced throughout. Additional information on other topics may be found in reports referenced throughout.
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link to page 4 link to page 4 link to page 5 link to page 6 link to page 6 link to page 6 link to page 7 link to page 7 link to page 7 link to page 8 link to page 8 link to page 10 link to page 10 link to page 11 link to page 11 link to page 11 link to page 11 link to page 12 link to page 12 link to page 13 link to page 13 link to page 13 link to page 13 link to page 14 link to page 14 link to page 14 link to page 14 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 16 Congressional Salaries and Allowances: In Brief

Contents
Compensation, Benefits, Allowances, and Selected Limitations .................................................... 1
Compensation ............................................................................................................................ 1
Outside Earned Income Limits .................................................................................................. 2
Prohibition on Honoraria ........................................................................................................... 3
Tax Deductions .......................................................................................................................... 3
Health and Life Insurance Provisions ....................................................................................... 3
Social Security Participation and Other Retirement Provisions ................................................ 4
The Members’ Representational Allowance (MRA): Supporting Personnel, Office
Expenses, Travel to the District, and Mail for Members of the House ........................................ 4
Formula Recalculation in 2023 ........................................................................................... 5
MRA Authorization Adjustments: History Since 2010 ....................................................... 5
MRA Appropriations ........................................................................................................... 7
Limitation on Number of Employees Hired by the MRA ......................................................... 7
Online Publication of House Disbursement Records ................................................................ 8
Government Publications and Recent Limitations .................................................................... 8
The Senators’ Official Personnel and Office Expense Account (SOPOEA): Supporting
Personnel, Office Expenses, and Mail for U.S. Senators ............................................................. 8
Other Allowances ...................................................................................................................... 9
Office Space in States, Including Mobile Office Space ...................................................... 9
Furniture and Furnishings in Washington, DC ................................................................. 10
Furniture and Furnishings in State Offices ....................................................................... 10
Office Equipment in Washington, DC, and State Offices ................................................. 10
Government Publications .................................................................................................. 10
Online Publication of Senate Disbursement Records ........................................................ 11
Compensation of Members and Maximum Rates of Compensation for Staff ................................ 11
Maximum Rate for House and Senate Staff: Initial Change in 2020 ....................................... 11
Subsequent Changes to House Staff Maximum Rates of Pay .................................................. 11
Subsequent Changes to Senate Staff Maximum Rates of Pay ................................................ 12

Tables
Table 1. Members and House Staff Maximum Salaries in 2024 ................................................... 12
Table 2. Senators and Senate Staff Maximum Salaries in 2024 .................................................... 12

Contacts
Author Information ........................................................................................................................ 13

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Congressional Salaries and Allowances: In Brief

Compensation, Benefits, Allowances, and
Selected Limitations

Compensation, Benefits, Allowances, and Selected Limitations

This report provides basic information on congressional salaries and allowances and recent This report provides basic information on congressional salaries and allowances and recent
developments.developments.
First, the report briefly summarizes the current salary of Members of Congress; limits or First, the report briefly summarizes the current salary of Members of Congress; limits or
prohibitions on their outside earned income, honoraria, and tax deductions; options for life and prohibitions on their outside earned income, honoraria, and tax deductions; options for life and
health insurance; and retirement benefits.health insurance; and retirement benefits.
Second, the report provides information on allowances available to Representatives and Senators Second, the report provides information on allowances available to Representatives and Senators
to support them in their official and representational duties. These allowances cover official office to support them in their official and representational duties. These allowances cover official office
expenses, including staff, mail, travel between a Memberexpenses, including staff, mail, travel between a Member’'s district or state and Washington, DC, s district or state and Washington, DC,
equipment, and other goods and services. Although the House and Senate allowances are equipment, and other goods and services. Although the House and Senate allowances are
structured differently, both are determined by formulas based on variables from the district or structured differently, both are determined by formulas based on variables from the district or
state (i.e., distance from Washington, DC).state (i.e., distance from Washington, DC).
Third, the report lists the salaries of Members of Congress and maximum pay rates for House and Third, the report lists the salaries of Members of Congress and maximum pay rates for House and
Senate staff.Senate staff.
Additional information on many of these topics may be found in reports referenced throughout.Additional information on many of these topics may be found in reports referenced throughout.
Compensation
The compensation for most Senators, Representatives, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner The compensation for most Senators, Representatives, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner
from Puerto Rico is $174,000.from Puerto Rico is $174,000.
The only exceptions include the Speaker of the House (salary of $223,500) and the President pro The only exceptions include the Speaker of the House (salary of $223,500) and the President pro
tempore of the Senate and the majority and minority leaders in the House and Senate (salary of tempore of the Senate and the majority and minority leaders in the House and Senate (salary of
$193,400).$193,400).1
1 These levels have remained unchanged since 2009. Subsequent scheduled annual adjustments These levels have remained unchanged since 2009. Subsequent scheduled annual adjustments
were denied by P.L. 111-8 (enacted March 11, 2009), P.L. 111-165 (May 14, 2010), P.L. 111-322were denied by P.L. 111-8 (enacted March 11, 2009), P.L. 111-165 (May 14, 2010), P.L. 111-322
(December 22, 2010), P.L. 112-175 (September 28, 2012), P.L. 112-240 (January 2, 2013), P.L. (December 22, 2010), P.L. 112-175 (September 28, 2012), P.L. 112-240 (January 2, 2013), P.L.
113-46 (October 17, 2013), P.L. 113-235 (December 16, 2014), P.L. 114-113 (December 18, 113-46 (October 17, 2013), P.L. 113-235 (December 16, 2014), P.L. 114-113 (December 18,
2015), P.L. 114-254 (December 10, 2016), P.L. 115-141 (March 23, 2018), P.L. 115-2442015), P.L. 114-254 (December 10, 2016), P.L. 115-141 (March 23, 2018), P.L. 115-244
(September 21, 2018), P.L. 116-94 (December 20, 2019), P.L. 116-260 (December 27, 2020), P.L. (September 21, 2018), P.L. 116-94 (December 20, 2019), P.L. 116-260 (December 27, 2020), P.L.
117-103 (March 15, 2022), P.L. 117-328 (December 29, 2022), 117-103 (March 15, 2022), P.L. 117-328 (December 29, 2022), and P.L. 118-47 (March 23, 2024)P.L. 118-47 (March 23, 2024), and P.L. 119-4 (March 15, 2025). .
The maximum potential The maximum potential 20252026 member pay adjustment is 3.2% (+$5,600). Both the House-reported (H.R. 4249) and Senate-passed (H.R. 3944, as amended by S.Amdt. 3412; and the Senate-reported bill, S. 2257) versions of the FY2026 legislative branch appropriations bill included a provision (§213 and §211, respectively) to prevent a January 2026 pay adjustment. Article I, Section 6, of the U.S. Constitution authorizes compensation for Members of Congress "ascertained by law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States." Adjustments are governed by the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 (2 U.S.C. §4501) and the 27^th member pay adjustment is 3.8%, or $6,600.2
Article I, Section 6, of the U.S. Constitution authorizes compensation for Members of Congress
“ascertained by law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States.” Adjustments are governed

1 The differing compensation for the three senior positions in each chamber is long-standing. See 2 U.S.C. §4501 note.
2 The potential Member pay adjustment was determined by a formula using the Employment Cost Index (private
industry wages and salaries, not seasonally adjusted), based on the 12-month percentage change reported for the quarter
ending December 31, minus 0.5%. The 3.8% potential adjustment was determined by taking the percentage increase in
the index between the quarters ending December 2022 and December 2023, which was 4.3%, and subtracting 0.5%.
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Cost Index—December 2023, January 31, 2023, p.
15. Pursuant to 2 U.S.C. §4501(2)(A), this amount is “rounded to the nearest multiple of $100.”
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Congressional Salaries and Allowances: In Brief

by the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 (2 U.S.C. §4501) and the 27th Amendment to the Constitution. Amendment to the Constitution.
They generally take effect in January.They generally take effect in January.3
2 Member pay has historically been the subject of considerable debate and discussion, as well as Member pay has historically been the subject of considerable debate and discussion, as well as
occasional confusion. Members of Congress receive salaries only during the terms for which they occasional confusion. Members of Congress receive salaries only during the terms for which they
are elected. They do not receive salaries beyond their terms of office. Members of Congress do are elected. They do not receive salaries beyond their terms of office. Members of Congress do
not receive additional compensation for service on committees. Although both the House and not receive additional compensation for service on committees. Although both the House and
Senate have established student loan repayment programs for employee recruitment and retention Senate have established student loan repayment programs for employee recruitment and retention
purposes, these programs are subject to a number of regulations—including service agreements purposes, these programs are subject to a number of regulations—including service agreements
and annual and lifetime benefit maximums—and Members of Congress are not eligible to and annual and lifetime benefit maximums—and Members of Congress are not eligible to
participate.participate.43 There are no student loan repayment programs or rules specific to Members of There are no student loan repayment programs or rules specific to Members of
Congress.Congress.
Outside Earned Income Limits
Permissible Permissible “"outside earned incomeoutside earned income”" for Representatives and Senators is limited to 15% of the for Representatives and Senators is limited to 15% of the
annual rate of basic pay for level II of the Executive Schedule. According to the House Ethics annual rate of basic pay for level II of the Executive Schedule. According to the House Ethics
Committee and the Senate Ethics Committee, the Committee and the Senate Ethics Committee, the 20242025 limit is $ limit is $31,815.5
33,285.⁴

Certain types of outside earned income, however, are prohibited.⁵

Prohibition on Honoraria Representatives and Senators are prohibited from accepting honoraria.⁶Certain types of outside earned income, however, are prohibited.6

3 For additional information, see CRS Report 97-1011, Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and
Historical Tables; and CRS Report 97-615, Salaries of Members of Congress: Congressional Votes, 1990-2024, by Ida
A. Brudnick.
4 The House employee program was authorized by P.L. 108-7 (Feb. 20, 2003; 117 Stat. 354; 2 U.S.C. §4536). The
Senate employee program was authorized by P.L. 107-68 (Nov. 12, 2001; 115 Stat. 563; 2 U.S.C. §4579). For
additional information on student loan repayment programs in the federal government generally, see U.S. Office of
Personnel Management (OPM), “Student Loan Repayment,” https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/
student-loan-repayment/#url=Overview.
5 For additional information, see U.S. Congress, House Committee on Ethics, “The 2024 Outside Earned Income Limit
and Salaries Triggering the Financial Disclosure Requirement and Post-Employment Restrictions Applicable to House
Officers and Employees,” memorandum, 118th Cong., January 17, 2024, https://ethics.house.gov/financial-disclosure/
financial-disclosure-pink-sheets/2024-outside-earned-income-limit-and-salaries, and U.S. Congress, Senate Select
Committee on Ethics, “Financial Thresholds & Limits,” https://www.ethics.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/financial-
thresholds-limits.
6 For example, House Rule XXV (118th Congress) states that a Member may not “receive compensation for affiliating
with or being employed by a firm, partnership, association, corporation, or other entity that provides professional
services involving a fiduciary relationship except for the practice of medicine” or “serve for compensation as an officer
or member of the board of an association, corporation, or other entity.” For additional information, see House Rule
XXV and Senate Rule XXXVI.
Section 210 of the House-reported version of the FY2024 legislative branch appropriations bill (H.R. 4364) would have
limited consideration of certain medical and dental services as a fiduciary relationship. The FY2024 Senate-reported
bill (S. 2302) did not include this provision, nor did the FY2024 act (P.L. 118-47). A FY2025 House subcommittee
draft bill also includes this provision.
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Prohibition on Honoraria
Representatives and Senators are prohibited from accepting honoraria.7 The acceptance of The acceptance of
honoraria by Representatives was prohibited effective January 1, 1991.honoraria by Representatives was prohibited effective January 1, 1991.87 The acceptance of The acceptance of
honoraria by Senators was prohibited effective August 14, 1991.honoraria by Senators was prohibited effective August 14, 1991.9
8 Tax Deductions
Previously, Members were allowed to deduct, for income tax purposes, living expenses up to Previously, Members were allowed to deduct, for income tax purposes, living expenses up to
$3,000 per annum, while away from their congressional districts or home states.$3,000 per annum, while away from their congressional districts or home states.
The deduction was established with the enactment of the FY1953 legislative branch The deduction was established with the enactment of the FY1953 legislative branch
appropriations act and not increased or adjusted for inflation.appropriations act and not increased or adjusted for inflation.10
9 It was eliminated with the enactment of P.L. 115-97, the 2017 tax revision, on December 22, It was eliminated with the enactment of P.L. 115-97, the 2017 tax revision, on December 22,
2017.2017.11
10 Health and Life Insurance Provisions
Prior to the enactment of Section 1312(d)(3)(D) of P.L. 111-148, the Patient Protection and Prior to the enactment of Section 1312(d)(3)(D) of P.L. 111-148, the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act, Members were eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health Affordable Care Act, Members were eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Health
Benefits Program (FEHB).Benefits Program (FEHB).
P.L. 111-148 states that the only health plans available to Members of Congress and certain P.L. 111-148 states that the only health plans available to Members of Congress and certain
congressional staff are those plans created under the act or offered through an exchange congressional staff are those plans created under the act or offered through an exchange
established under the act. Pursuant to the regulations implementing this section, effective January established under the act. Pursuant to the regulations implementing this section, effective January
1, 2014, Members may elect to be covered through the DC Health Link.1, 2014, Members may elect to be covered through the DC Health Link.12
11 In addition, the Office of the Attending Physician provides emergency medical assistance for In addition, the Office of the Attending Physician provides emergency medical assistance for
Members of Congress, Justices of the Supreme Court, staff, and visitors. Additional services are

7 An honorarium, for example, is defined by the House as a “payment of money or a thing of value for an appearance,
speech, or article (including a series of appearances, speeches, or articles) by a Member, Delegate, Resident
Commissioner, officer, or employee of the House, excluding any actual and necessary travel expenses” (House Rule
XXV).
8 This prohibition was included in the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 (P.L. 101-194, November 30, 1989, 103 Stat. 1776-
1778) and incorporated into House Rule XXV. See also: U.S. House, Committee on Ethics, House Ethics Manual,
2008 edition, 110th Cong., 2nd sess. (http://ethics.house.gov/), p. 189.
9 The Ethics Reform Act (P.L. 101-194, November 30, 1989, 103 Stat. 1782) reduced the limit on honoraria from 40%
to 27% of salary beginning in 1990, with further decreases set to accompany Senate pay raises. The FY1992
Legislative Branch Appropriations Act (P.L. 102-90, August 14, 1991, 105 Stat. 450-451) subsequently banned
honoraria. See also Senate Rule XXXVI and U.S. Senate, Select Committee on Ethics, Senate Ethics Manual, S.Pub.
108-1, 2003 Edition, 108th Cong., 1st sess. (https://www.ethics.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/f2eb14e3-1123-48eb-
9334-8c4717102a6e/2003-senate-ethics-manual.pdf), pp. 97-101.
10 66 Stat. 467, July 9, 1952; 67 Stat. 322, Aug. 1, 1953; 26 U.S.C. §162.
11 For additional information, see CRS General Distribution Memorandum, “Legislative History of Tax Deductions for
Members of Congress,” by Ida A. Brudnick (available to congressional clients upon request); and, 66 Stat. 467, July 9,
1952.
12 See the final rule on implementation (Office of Personnel Management, “Federal Employees Health Benefits
Program: Members of Congress and Congressional Staff,” 78 Federal Register 60653, October 2, 2013) and
subsequent information provided by the House Chief Administrative Officer and Senate Disbursing Office. See also
CRS Report R43194, Health Benefits for Members of Congress and Designated Congressional Staff: In Brief, by Ada
S. Cornell and https://dchealthlink.com/.
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Members of Congress, Justices of the Supreme Court, staff, and visitors. Additional services are offered to Members who choose to enroll for an annual fee ($650.00 in offered to Members who choose to enroll for an annual fee ($650.00 in 2023).132025).¹² The office is led The office is led
by a medical officer from the U.S. Navy, a tradition begun in 1928.by a medical officer from the U.S. Navy, a tradition begun in 1928.14
13 Members also are eligible to participate in the Federal Employees Group Life Insurance Program. Members also 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 The amount of coverage for personal insurance is determined by a formula based on the coverage
elected.elected.15
14 Social Security Participation and Other Retirement Provisions
Since January 1, 1984, participation in Social Security has been mandatory for all Members of Since January 1, 1984, participation in Social Security has been mandatory for all Members of
Congress.Congress.
Various options are available to Members regarding participation in the Civil Service Retirement Various options are available to Members regarding participation in the Civil Service Retirement
System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), depending on when the System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), depending on when the
Member was first elected.Member was first elected.1615 The amount of any benefit and required retirement contribution varies The amount of any benefit and required retirement contribution varies
depending on retirement plan, age, and length of service (with a minimum of at least five years of depending on retirement plan, age, and length of service (with a minimum of at least five years of
service for any benefit).service for any benefit).
The Members’' Representational Allowance (MRA):
Supporting Personnel, Office Expenses, Travel to
the District, and Mail for Members of the House
The MembersThe Members’' Representational Allowance (MRA) is available to support Representatives in Representational Allowance (MRA) is available to support Representatives in
their official and representational duties.their official and representational duties.17
16 The MRA may be used for official expenses including, for example, staff, travel, mail, office The MRA may be used for official expenses including, for example, staff, travel, mail, office
equipment, district office rental, stationery, and other office supplies.equipment, district office rental, stationery, and other office supplies.
The MRA is also subject to a number of restrictions. For example, the MRA may not be used to The MRA is also subject to a number of restrictions. For example, the MRA may not be used to
defray any personal or campaign-related expenses. A Member is also prohibited from using defray any personal or campaign-related expenses. A Member is also prohibited from using
campaign funds (except where authorized by the Committee on Ethics) or committee funds to pay campaign funds (except where authorized by the Committee on Ethics) or committee funds to pay
for expenses related to official representational duties; using an unofficial office account; for expenses related to official representational duties; using an unofficial office account;
accepting funds or assistance from a private source for an official activity; or using personal accepting funds or assistance from a private source for an official activity; or using personal
funds to pay for franked mail.funds to pay for franked mail.
The Committee on House Administration has sometimes amended language in the The Committee on House Administration has sometimes amended language in the Members’
' Congressional Handbook governing allowable expenses through the adoption of committee governing allowable expenses through the adoption of committee
resolutions. Committee resolutions related to the MRA adopted in the resolutions. Committee resolutions related to the MRA adopted in the 117th and 118th117^th and 118^th Congresses Congresses
include, for example, Committee Resolution 117-25 (relating to duty stations for Members of the include, for example, Committee Resolution 117-25 (relating to duty stations for Members of the
House and travel expenses [including meals, incidentals and lodging] while on official business, House and travel expenses [including meals, incidentals and lodging] while on official business,

13 “Notice of 2023 OAP Medical Services Enrollment Fee,” e-Dear Colleague sent by the Committee on House
Administration, February 27, 2023.
14 H.Res. 253, 70th Cong. See also CRS Insight IN11390, Office of the Attending Physician, U.S. Congress:
Background Information and Response to Public Health Emergencies, by Ida A. Brudnick.
15 For additional information, see OPM, “Life Insurance,” https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/life-insurance/.
16 Plan options vary for Members first elected before 1984 and those first elected in 1984 or later. For additional
information, see CRS Report RL30631, Retirement Benefits for Members of Congress, by Katelin P. Isaacs.
17 For additional information, see CRS Report R40962, Members’ Representational Allowance: History and Usage, by
Ida A. Brudnick.
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including official business in Washington), and Committee Resolution 118-15 (amending including official business in Washington), and Committee Resolution 118-15 (amending
Committee Resolution 117-25).Committee Resolution 117-25).18
17 A Member is responsible for personally paying for any expenses that are in excess of the A Member is responsible for personally paying for any expenses that are in excess of the
authorized MRA level or that are not reimbursable under regulations of the Committee on House authorized MRA level or that are not reimbursable under regulations of the Committee on House
Administration.Administration.19
18 The MRA for each Member is authorized from January 3 of each year through January 2 of the The MRA for each Member is authorized from January 3 of each year through January 2 of the
following year. These allowances are authorized in statute and regulated and adjusted by the following year. These allowances are authorized in statute and regulated and adjusted by the
Committee on House Administration.Committee on House Administration.
Formula Recalculation and Revision in 2023
Many of the components of the MRA formula predate the establishment of the MRA in 1995. The Many of the components of the MRA formula predate the establishment of the MRA in 1995. The
long-standing nature of the formula, as well as efforts to reexamine it, has periodically been long-standing nature of the formula, as well as efforts to reexamine it, has periodically been
discussed in the years since.discussed in the years since.
In 2023, the individual MRA formula was revised generally through the adoption of Committee In 2023, the individual MRA formula was revised generally through the adoption of Committee
Resolution 118-13.Resolution 118-13.2019 The MRA components continued to be The MRA components continued to be
• a clerk-hire component (revised for 2023a clerk-hire component (revised for 2023 —and continued in 2024 and 2025—to $1,434,751 for all Members);to $1,434,751 for all Members);
• an official expense component an official expense component (based on one standard componentbased on one standard component— (revised for revised for
2023 2023—and continued in 2024 and 2025—to $134,412 for all Members for office expendituresto $134,412 for all Members for office expenditures—) and two variable and two variable
components—components (calculated based on travel and district office rent);calculated based on travel and district office rent);21 and
• 20 and an official mail component (based on nonbusiness delivery stops in a an official mail component (based on nonbusiness delivery stops in a
congressional district).congressional district).
The three components are combined and result in a single MRA authorization for each The three components are combined and result in a single MRA authorization for each
Representative that can be used to pay for any type of official expense. For example, each Representative that can be used to pay for any type of official expense. For example, each
Representative can choose how much to allocate to travel versus personnel or supplies.Representative can choose how much to allocate to travel versus personnel or supplies.
MRA Authorization Adjustments: History Since 2010
Since 2010, individual MRA authorizations decreased for a few years before increasing again in Since 2010, individual MRA authorizations decreased for a few years before increasing again in
some, but not all, years (sometimes by a percentage, and sometimes by a dollar amount).

18 For resolutions from the 118th Congress, see https://cha.house.gov/committee-resolutions. For resolutions from the
116th and 117th Congresses, see https://democrats-cha.house.gov/committee-activity/committee-resolutions.
19 For more details on permissible use of personal, campaign, and official funds, see U.S. Congress, House Committee
on House Administration, Members’ Congressional Handbook (https://cha.house.gov/handbooks-and-rules) and U.S.
Congress, Committee on Ethics, House Ethics Manual, 110th Cong., 2nd sess. (Washington: GPO, 2008),
(http://ethics.house.gov/).
20 See Committee on House Administration, committee resolutions, https://cha.house.gov/committee-resolutions .
21 According to the committee resolution, travel includes a “Variable amount for official travel expenses, including
travel between Washington, D.C., and the district, as well as local official travel within the district and out of district
official travel.... ”
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some, but not all, years (sometimes by a percentage, and sometimes by a dollar amount). More specifically, the individual authorized MRA levels decreased for three consecutive years, More specifically, the individual authorized MRA levels decreased for three consecutive years,
including22
• including²¹ a 5% reduction from 2010 to 2011;a 5% reduction from 2010 to 2011;
• a 6.4% reduction from 2011 to 2012; anda 6.4% reduction from 2011 to 2012; and
• an 8.2% reduction from 2012 to 2013.an 8.2% reduction from 2012 to 2013.
Subsequently,
• Subsequently,in 2014, each Memberin 2014, each Member’'s MRA increased by 1% from the 2013 level;s MRA increased by 1% from the 2013 level;23
• 22 individual authorized MRA levels were not increased for 2015;individual authorized MRA levels were not increased for 2015;24
• 23 in 2016, each Memberin 2016, each Member’'s MRA increased by 1% from the 2015 level;s MRA increased by 1% from the 2015 level;25
• 24 in 2017, each Memberin 2017, each Member’'s MRA was equivalent to that s MRA was equivalent to that “Member’"Member's 2016 amount ... s 2016 amount ...
increase[d] ... by approximately 3.9% of the average MRA. In June 2017, all increase[d] ... by approximately 3.9% of the average MRA. In June 2017, all
MRAs were increased by $25,000 in response to heightened security concernsMRAs were increased by $25,000 in response to heightened security concerns”;26
• ";²⁵ in 2018, each Memberin 2018, each Member’'s MRA was increased by $25,000;s MRA was increased by $25,000;27
• 26 in 2019, each Memberin 2019, each Member’'s MRA increased by 1% from the 2018 level;s MRA increased by 1% from the 2018 level;28
• 27 in 2020, each Memberin 2020, each Member’'s MRA was increased by $62,250;s MRA was increased by $62,250;29
• 28 in 2021, each Memberin 2021, each Member’'s MRA was increased by $65,000;s MRA was increased by $65,000;30

22 The Statement of Disbursement stated29 in 2022, each Member each Member’s 2012 MRA was “88.92% of the amount authorized in 2010 ...
in accordance with a 5% reduction to the 2010 authorization mandated in House Resolution 22, agreed to on January 6,
2011, and a 6.4% reduction to the 2011 authorization as reflected in H.R. 2055, the Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2012.” For the 2012 formula, see U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the
Chief Administrative Officer, from January 1, 2012, to March 31, 2012, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 112-106, 112th Cong., 2nd
sess. (Washington: GPO, 2012), p. 3225. For the 2013 formula, see U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements
of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer, from April 1, 2013, to June 30, 2013, part 3 of 3,
H.Doc. 113-41, 113th Cong., 1st sess. (Washington: GPO, 2013), p. 2597.
23 U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer,
from April 1, 2014, to June 30, 2014, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 113-141, 113th Cong., 2nd sess. (Washington: GPO, 2014), p.
2559.
24 U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer,
from January 1, 2015, to March 31, 2015, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 114-29, 114th Cong., 1st sess. (Washington: GPO, 2015),
p. 2854.
25 U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer,
from January 1, 2016, to March 31, 2016, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 114-120, 114th Congress, 2nd sess. (Washington: GPO,
2016), p. 2861.
26 U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer,
from October 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 115-89, 115th Congress, 1st sess. (Washington: GPO,
2017), p. 2491.
27 U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer,
from July 1, 2018, to September 30, 2018, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 115-161, 115th Cong., 2nd sess. (Washington: GPO,
2018), p. 2523.
28 U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer,
from January 1, 2019, to March 31, 2019, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 116-26, 116th Cong., 1st sess. (Washington: GPO, 2019),
p. 2981.
29 U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer,
from January 1, 2020, to March 31, 2020, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 116-116, 116th Cong., 2nd sess. (Washington: GPO,
2020), p. 3399.
30 U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer,
from April 1, 2021, to June 30, 2021, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 117-48, 117th Cong., 1st sess. (Washington: GPO, 2021), p.
2657.
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• in 2022, each Member’s MRA was increased by 21%;31 and
• in 2023, the individual MRAs were recalculated generally.32
In 2023, MRAs's MRA was increased by 21%;³⁰

in 2023, the individual MRAs were recalculated generally;³¹

in 2024, the MRA levels remained unchanged from the prior year;³² and

in 2025, MRA levels remained unchanged from the prior year.

MRAs since 2023 have ranged from $1,849,149 to $2,088,499, with an average of $1,928, ranged from $1,849,149 to $2,088,499, with an average of $1,928,100.33
The107 (for 2025, see the Statement of Disbursements of the House volume covering January 1, volume covering January 1, 20242025, to March 31, 2025).³³, to March 31,
2024 (H.Doc. 118-128) continued the same range.34
MRA Appropriations
The MRA is funded in the House The MRA is funded in the House “"Salaries and ExpensesSalaries and Expenses”" account in the annual legislative account in the annual legislative
branch appropriations bills. branch appropriations bills. As with the individual authorized levels, the overall appropriations As with the individual authorized levels, the overall appropriations
account decreased for a number of years, from $660.0 million in FY2010, to $613.1 million in account decreased for a number of years, from $660.0 million in FY2010, to $613.1 million in
FY2011, to $573.9 million in FY2012. FY2011, to $573.9 million in FY2012. The FY2012 funding level was continued in the FY2013 The FY2012 funding level was continued in the FY2013
continuing resolution (P.L. 113-6), not including sequestration or an across-the-board rescission. continuing resolution (P.L. 113-6), not including sequestration or an across-the-board rescission.
The FY2014 level of $554.3 million was continued in the FY2015 act (P.L. 113-235) and the The FY2014 level of $554.3 million was continued in the FY2015 act (P.L. 113-235) and the
FY2016 act (P.L. 114-113). This level was slightly less than the $554.7 million provided in FY2016 act (P.L. 114-113). This level was slightly less than the $554.7 million provided in
FY2007, not adjusted for inflation. FY2007, not adjusted for inflation.

Subsequently:

The FY2017 legislative branch appropriations act (P.L. 115-The FY2017 legislative branch appropriations act (P.L. 115-
3131) increased MRA funding to $562.6 million (+1.5%)) increased MRA funding to $562.6 million (+1.5%), a level continued for FY2018 (P.L. 115-
141). .

The FY2018 act (P.L. 115-141) continued the FY2017 level.

The FY2019 level of $573.6 million represented an increase of 2.0% (P.L. 115-244The FY2019 level of $573.6 million represented an increase of 2.0% (P.L. 115-244). ). The The
FY2020 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 116-94) contained $615.0 millionFY2020 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 116-94) contained $615.0 million, an
increase of (+7.2%7.2%). . The FY2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 116-260) provided $640.0 The FY2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 116-260) provided $640.0
million, an increase of 4.1%. million (+4.1%). The FY2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 117-103The FY2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 117-103) )
provided $774.0 millionprovided $774.0 million, an increase of (+21.0%21.0%). . The FY2023 act (P.L. 117-328) provided $810.0 The FY2023 act (P.L. 117-328) provided $810.0
million (+4.6%)million (+4.6%), a level continued in the. The FY2024 act ( FY2024 act (P.L. 118-47) continued the FY2023 level.

The FY2025 act (P.L. 119-4) provided $850.0 million (+4.9%).

The FY2026P.L. 118-47). The FY2025 budget request
and the FY2025 House-reported bill ( House-reported bill (H.R. 4249) would continue the FY2025 level. The House had requested $910.4H.R. 8772) include $843.6 million (+ million (+47.1%)..1%).
This funding is separate from an allowance for interns in Member offices that was first funded in This funding is separate from an allowance for interns in Member offices that was first funded in
FY2019.FY2019.
Limitation on Number of Employees Hired by the MRA
Each Member may use the MRA to employ no more than 18 permanent employees, a level that Each Member may use the MRA to employ no more than 18 permanent employees, a level that
has remained unchanged since 1975. A Member may employ up to four additional employees if has remained unchanged since 1975. A Member may employ up to four additional employees if
they fall into one of the following categories:they fall into one of the following categories:35
1. 341. part-time employees,part-time employees,
2.

2. shared employees,

3. interns receiving pay,

4. employees on leave without pay, and

5. temporary employees.

Online Publication of House Disbursement Records shared employees,

31 U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer,
from January 1, 2022, to March 31, 2022, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 117-130, 117th Cong., 2nd sess. (Washington: GPO,
2022), p. 3085.
32 U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer,
from January 1, 2023, to March 31, 2023, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 118-27, 118th Cong., 1st sess. (Washington: GPO, 2023),
p. 3535.
33 The calculations exclude nonvoting Members, including Delegates and the Resident Commissioner. Members
elected by special election and sworn in during the session are also excluded since the allowance level may be prorated.
34 The FY2024 appropriations enacted on March 23, 2024 (P.L. 118-47) continued the FY2023 MRA funding level of
$810.0 million. Calculations may be updated as data become available.
35 2 U.S.C. §5321. The 18-person limit first became effective in 1975 (Committee Order No. 16, Congressional
Record, March 6, 1975, p. 5556), while the four additional other-than-permanent staff were authorized in 1979 (H.Res.
359, agreed to on July 20, 1979, and enacted into permanent law by P.L. 96-536, §101(c), December 16, 1980, 94 Stat.
3167). See also P.L. 104-186, 110 Stat 1720, August 20, 1996.
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3. interns receiving pay,
4. employees on leave without pay, and
5. temporary employees.
Online Publication of House Disbursement Records
All MRA expenditures are reported in the quarterly All MRA expenditures are reported in the quarterly Statement of Disbursements of the House. .
Statements (SOD) issued since November 2009 are available at http://disbursements.house.gov/ (SOD) issued since November 2009 are available at http://disbursements.house.gov/.
. Beginning with disbursements covering January-March 2016, this website provides SOD Beginning with disbursements covering January-March 2016, this website provides SOD
information in a CSV (comma-separated values) format. New data fields for the CSV detail information in a CSV (comma-separated values) format. New data fields for the CSV detail
transactions file were added as of March 2023.transactions file were added as of March 2023.
Government Publications and Recent Limitations
Representatives may receive certain government publications and printed products.Representatives may receive certain government publications and printed products.36
35 Recent legislative branch appropriations act administrative provisions have aimed to reduce the Recent legislative branch appropriations act administrative provisions have aimed to reduce the
delivery of certain printed documents that are also available online, including copies of delivery of certain printed documents that are also available online, including copies of
legislation, the legislation, the Congressional Record, the the U.S. Code, the the Statement of Disbursements, the , the Daily
Calendar, and the , and the Congressional Pictorial Directory..37
36 The Senators’' Official Personnel and Office Expense
Account (SOPOEA): Supporting Personnel, Office
Expenses, and Mail for U.S. Senators
The SenatorsThe Senators’' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account (SOPOEA) is available to assist Official Personnel and Office Expense Account (SOPOEA) is available to assist
Senators in their official and representational duties.Senators in their official and representational duties.38
37 The allowance is provided for the fiscal year. The The allowance is provided for the fiscal year. The annual Senate Appropriations Committee reports include a table with recommended SOPOEA levels for the Senators from each state. The report generally states, "It should also be noted that the figures in the following table are preliminary, and that official notification of member budgets is issued by the Financial Clerk of the Senate after enactment of this bill."The Senate Appropriations Committee Senate Appropriations Committee report report
accompanying the accompanying the FY2024FY2025 legislative branch appropriations bill ( legislative branch appropriations bill (S. 4678, S. 2302, S.Rept. 118-S.Rept. 118-60)
192) showed a range of $4,showed a range of $4,007,892209,326 to $6, to $6,192,745495,333, with an average of $4,, with an average of $4,349,735.39
567,588.³⁸

The Senate Appropriations Committee report accompanying the FY2026 legislative branch appropriations bill (S. 2257, S.Rept. 119-38) shows a range of $4,296,524 to $6,621,784, with an average of $4,664,423.³⁹

The SOPOEA for each Senator is calculated based on three components, includingThe SOPOEA for each Senator is calculated based on three components, including
• thethe administrative and clerical assistance allowance, which varies by state , which varies by state
populationpopulation. The The FY2024FY2025 report (S.Rept. 118- report (S.Rept. 118-60192) shows this allowance varying ) shows this allowance varying
from $3,242,182 for a Senator representing a state with a population under 5 from $3,242,182 for a Senator representing a state with a population under 5
million to $5,million to $5,105,016376,092 for a Senator representing a state with a population of 28 for a Senator representing a state with a population of 28
million or more.40

36 For additional information, see U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO), “Congressional Relations,”
https://www.gpo.gov/who-we-are/our-agency/congressional-relations.
37 See P.L. 115-244 and 2 U.S.C. §§5347-5352.
38 P.L. 100-137, October 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 814, 2 U.S.C. §6313. For additional information, see CRS Report R44399,
Senators’ Official Personnel and Office Expense Account (SOPOEA): History and Usage, by Ida A. Brudnick.
39 U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, Legislative Branch
Appropriations, 2024, report to accompany S. 2302, 118th Cong., 1st sess., July 13, 2023, S.Rept. 118-60 (Washington:
GPO, 2023).
40 Ibid.
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• the legislative assistance allowance, which is the same for all Senators. The
FY2024million or more. The FY2026 report (S.Rept. 119-38) shows this allowance varying from $3,490,140 for a Senator representing a state with a population under 5 million to $5,495,441 for a Senator representing a state with a population of 28 million or more. the legislative assistance allowance, which is the same for all Senators. The FY2025 Senate report (S.Rept. 118-192) shows a legislative assistance component of $665,700. The FY2026 Senate report (S.Rept. Senate report (S.Rept. 118-60119-38) shows a legislative assistance component ) shows a legislative assistance component
of $636,300; and
• of $677,100; and thethe official office expense allowance, which varies by state depending on the , which varies by state depending on the
distance between Washington, DC, and the home state, the population of the distance between Washington, DC, and the home state, the population of the
state, and the official (franked) mail allocation. The state, and the official (franked) mail allocation. The FY2024FY2025 Senate report Senate report
((S.Rept. 118-S.Rept. 118-60192) shows an allowance ranging from $129,) shows an allowance ranging from $129,410 to $451,429.
284 to $453,541. The FY2026 Senate report (S.Rept. 119-38) shows an allowance ranging from $129,284 to $449,243.The three components result in a single SOPOEA authorization for each Senator that can be used The three components result in a single SOPOEA authorization for each Senator that can be used
to pay for any type of official expense. For example, each Senator can choose how much to to pay for any type of official expense. For example, each Senator can choose how much to
allocate to travel versus personnel or supplies, although additional limits pertain to spending on allocate to travel versus personnel or supplies, although additional limits pertain to spending on
franked mail. Mass mailings may not exceed $50,000 per fiscal year,franked mail. Mass mailings may not exceed $50,000 per fiscal year,4140 and additional official mail and additional official mail
regulations may be established in statute, regulations and rules of the Senate, the Senate regulations may be established in statute, regulations and rules of the Senate, the Senate
Committee on Rules and Administration, and the Senate Ethics Committee.Committee on Rules and Administration, and the Senate Ethics Committee.42
41 The SOPOEA is funded within the The SOPOEA is funded within the “"Contingent Expenses of the SenateContingent Expenses of the Senate”" account in the annual account in the annual
legislative branch appropriations bills. This appropriations account decreased for a number of legislative branch appropriations bills. This appropriations account decreased for a number of
years, from $422.0 million in FY2010 to $390.0 million in FY2014, a decrease of 7.6%. The years, from $422.0 million in FY2010 to $390.0 million in FY2014, a decrease of 7.6%. The
FY2014 level was continued in FY2015, FY2016 and FY2017. This level represented the lowest FY2014 level was continued in FY2015, FY2016 and FY2017. This level represented the lowest
funding since the $373.5 million provided in FY2008. The FY2018 enacted level of $424.0 funding since the $373.5 million provided in FY2008. The FY2018 enacted level of $424.0
million represented an increase of 8.7%. The FY2019 enacted level of $429.0 million represented million represented an increase of 8.7%. The FY2019 enacted level of $429.0 million represented
an increase of 1.2%. The FY2020 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act contained $449.0 an increase of 1.2%. The FY2020 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act contained $449.0
million, an increase of 4.7%. The FY2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act provided $461.0 million, an increase of 4.7%. The FY2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act provided $461.0
million, an increase of 2.7%. The FY2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act provided $486.3 million, an increase of 2.7%. The FY2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act provided $486.3
million, an increase of 5.5%. The FY2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act provided $512.0 million, an increase of 5.5%. The FY2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act provided $512.0
million, an increase of 5.3%. The FY2024 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act provides million, an increase of 5.3%. The FY2024 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act provides
$552.6 million, an increase of 7.9%. The FY2025 $552.6 million, an increase of 7.9%. The FY2025 budget request includes $571.8Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act provided $607.4 million million, an increase of 9.9%. For FY2026, the Senate requested, and the Senate-reported bill would provide, $645.4 million, an increase of 6.3%. , an
increase of 3.5%.
This funding includes agency contributions for benefits provided to employees paid by the This funding includes agency contributions for benefits provided to employees paid by the
SOPOEA. This funding also includes an allowance for interns first included in FY2019.SOPOEA. This funding also includes an allowance for interns first included in FY2019.
The SOPOEA is available only to support each SenatorThe SOPOEA is available only to support each Senator’'s official duties and may not to be used to s official duties and may not to be used to
defray any personal, political, or campaign-related expenses. Senators are responsible for the defray any personal, political, or campaign-related expenses. Senators are responsible for the
payment of any expenses that exceed the allowance.payment of any expenses that exceed the allowance.
Other Allowances
Office Space in States, Including Mobile Office Space
Each Senator is authorized home state office space in federal buildings. In the event suitable Each Senator is authorized home state office space in federal buildings. In the event suitable
office space is not available in a federal building, other office space may be secured. The cost of office space is not available in a federal building, other office space may be secured. The cost of
private space is not to exceed the highest rate per square foot charged by the General Services private space is not to exceed the highest rate per square foot charged by the General Services
Administration (GSA).Administration (GSA).4342 The aggregate square footage of office space that can be secured for a The aggregate square footage of office space that can be secured for a
Senator ranges from 5,000 square feet, if the population of the state is less than 3 million, to 8,200 Senator ranges from 5,000 square feet, if the population of the state is less than 3 million, to 8,200

41 FY1995 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, P.L. 103-283, July 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 1427, 39 U.S.C. §3210.
42 Ibid., p. 24.
43 2 U.S.C. §6317(c).
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square feet, if the state’square feet, if the state's population is 17 million or more.s population is 17 million or more.4443 There is no restriction on the number There is no restriction on the number
of offices.of offices.
Each Senator may lease one mobile office for use only in the state he or she represents, subject to Each Senator may lease one mobile office for use only in the state he or she represents, subject to
limitations on the terms of the lease, the maximum annual rental payment, and reimbursable limitations on the terms of the lease, the maximum annual rental payment, and reimbursable
operating costs. No payment may be made for expenses incurred during the 60 days preceding a operating costs. No payment may be made for expenses incurred during the 60 days preceding a
contested election.contested election.45
44 Furniture and Furnishings in Washington, DC
Each Senator is authorized furniture and furnishings from an approved list. Furniture and 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 furnishings are supplied and maintained by the Architect of the Capitol (for spaces in Senate
office buildings) and the Senate Sergeant at Arms (for offices in the Capitol). Additional office buildings) and the Senate Sergeant at Arms (for offices in the Capitol). Additional
furnishings can be purchased through the Senate stationery store.furnishings can be purchased through the Senate stationery store.
Furniture and Furnishings in State Offices
Each Senator is authorized $40,000 for state office furniture and furnishings for one or more Each Senator is authorized $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 offices, if the aggregate square footage of office space does not exceed 5,000 square feet. The
base authorization is increased by $1,000 for each authorized additional incremental increase in base authorization is increased by $1,000 for each authorized additional incremental increase in
office space of 200 square feet.office space of 200 square feet.4645 Pursuant to the FY2000 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, Pursuant to the FY2000 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act,
this allowance automatically increases at the beginning of each Congress to reflect inflation.this allowance automatically increases at the beginning of each Congress to reflect inflation.47
46 The aggregate dollar amount is the maximum value of furniture and furnishings to be provided by The aggregate dollar amount is the maximum value of furniture and furnishings to be provided by
GSA for state office use at any one time. Furniture and furnishings remain GSA property.GSA 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 Each Senator may use certain basic office equipment allocated in accordance with the population
of the state he or she represents and other criteria established by the Senate Committee on Rules of the state he or she represents and other criteria established by the Senate Committee on Rules
and Administration.and Administration.48
47 Government Publications
Each Senator is entitled to receive certain government publications and printed products. These Each Senator is entitled to receive certain government publications and printed products. These
include, for example, copies of the daily include, for example, copies of the daily Congressional Record, one copy of one copy of Deschler’s
's Precedents, various manuals and directories, and public document franked envelopes. various manuals and directories, and public document franked envelopes.49

44 2 U.S.C. §6317(b).
45 2 U.S.C. §6317(f).
46 2 U.S.C. §6317(c)(2).
47 P.L. 106-57, 113 Stat. 412, September 29, 1999; 2 U.S.C. §6317(c)(2).
48 For example, the Economic Allocation Fund, the Office Automation Allowance, and the Constituent Service System
Fund.
49 For additional information, see GPO, “Congressional Relations,” https://www.gpo.gov/who-we-are/our-agency/
congressional-relations.
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48 Online Publication of Senate Disbursement Records
All SOPOEA expenditures are required to be published in the semiannual All SOPOEA expenditures are required to be published in the semiannual Report of the Secretary
of the Senate..5049 The report is available at http://www.senate.gov/legislative/common/generic/ The report is available at http://www.senate.gov/legislative/common/generic/
report_secsen.htmreport_secsen.htm..
Compensation of Members and Maximum Rates of
Compensation for Staff
The salary of Members of Congress has been frozen since 2009.The salary of Members of Congress has been frozen since 2009.
Maximum Rate for House and Senate Staff: Initial Change in 2020
The maximum annual salary for many categories of congressional staff remained unchanged from The maximum annual salary for many categories of congressional staff remained unchanged from
2009 until the enactment of the FY2020 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 116-942009 until the enactment of the FY2020 Further Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 116-94).⁵⁰ ).51
A general provision in Division E (legislative branch) of the act increased the maximum annual A general provision in Division E (legislative branch) of the act increased the maximum annual
salary for certain categories of congressional staff to $173,900.salary for certain categories of congressional staff to $173,900.
Subsequent Changes to House Staff Maximum Rates of Pay
Following the initial change in 2020Following the initial change in 2020
• the 2021 Order of the Speaker (issued August 12, 2021) increased the maximum the 2021 Order of the Speaker (issued August 12, 2021) increased the maximum
pay rate for House staff to $199,300, which was equivalent to the 2021 pay rate pay rate for House staff to $199,300, which was equivalent to the 2021 pay rate
for Level II of the Executive Schedule (EX);for Level II of the Executive Schedule (EX);52
• the 2022 Order of the Speaker (May 6, 2022) increased this staff pay ceiling to the 2022 Order of the Speaker (May 6, 2022) increased this staff pay ceiling to
$203,700, equivalent to the 2022 pay rate for Level II of the EX; $203,700, equivalent to the 2022 pay rate for Level II of the EX; and
• the 2023 Order of the Speaker (December 30, 2022) increased this ceiling to the 2023 Order of the Speaker (December 30, 2022) increased this ceiling to
$212,100, equivalent to the 2023 pay rate for Level II of the EX.53

50 P.L. 111-68, October 1, 2009, 123 Stat. 2026, 2 U.S.C. §4108.
51 Prior to the change in 2020, in general, the maximum annual rate of pay for House and Senate staff had been
equivalent to $1,500 dollars below Members’ salary. The House and Senate pay orders also listed ceilings for various
categories of House and Senate staff, respectively.
For the House: U.S. Congress, House, Order of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, effective January 9, 2009,
issued January 9, 2009; and U.S. Congress, House, Order of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, effective
January 1, 2020, issued January 27, 2020 (contained in 2 U.S.C. §4532).
For the Senate: U.S. Congress, Senate, Order of the President pro tempore, effective January 1, 2018, issued March 23,
2018; and U.S. Congress, Senate, Order of the President pro tempore, effective January 1, 2021, issued January 5,
2021 (contained in 2 U.S.C. §4571 note).
52 The order was reprinted in the annual supplement to 2 U.S.C. §4532. For Executive Schedule (EX) pay rates, see
OPM, “Basic Rates of Pay for Employees in Senior-Level and Scientific or Professional Positions,”
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2021/executive-senior-level (2021) and
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2022/executive-senior-level (2022).
53 OPM, “Rates of Pay for the Executive Schedule,” https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-
wages/2023/executive-senior-level. For House limit, see 2 U.S.C. §4532.
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link to page 15 link to page 15 link to page 15 Congressional Salaries and Allowances: In Brief

$212,100, equivalent to the 2023 pay rate for Level II of the EX; and

the 2025 Order of the Speaker (January 17, 2025) increased this ceiling to make it "equal to the annual rate of basic pay for level II of the Executive Schedule," which is $225,700 in 2025.⁵¹

Subsequent Changes to Senate Staff Maximum Rates of Pay
Following the initial change in 2020Following the initial change in 2020
• the FY2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 117-103, March 15, 2022) the FY2022 Consolidated Appropriations Act (P.L. 117-103, March 15, 2022)
contained a general provision (§212) amending 2 U.S.C. §4575 to increase the contained a general provision (§212) amending 2 U.S.C. §4575 to increase the
maximum salary for Senate staff to maximum salary for Senate staff to “"the annual rate of basic pay in effect for the annual rate of basic pay in effect for
level II of the Executive Schedule under section 5313 of title 5, United States level II of the Executive Schedule under section 5313 of title 5, United States
Code”;
• Code"; the Order of the President pro tempore implementing a pay increase for Senate the Order of the President pro tempore implementing a pay increase for Senate
employees, issued March 15, 2022 (contained in 2 U.S.C. §4571 note), employees, issued March 15, 2022 (contained in 2 U.S.C. §4571 note),
referenced maximum rates equivalent to Level II of the EX. This was equivalent referenced maximum rates equivalent to Level II of the EX. This was equivalent
to $203,700 in 2022;to $203,700 in 2022;
• the 2023 pay rate for Level II of the EX was $212,100; the 2023 pay rate for Level II of the EX was $212,100; and
• the 2024 pay rate for Level II of the EX the 2024 pay rate for Level II of the EX iswas $221,900 $221,900.
; and

the 2025 pay rate for Level II of the EX is $225,700.

Table 1 andTable 1 and Table 2 list the compensation for Members of Congress and the maximum rate for list the compensation for Members of Congress and the maximum rate for
staff in staff in 2024.
2025. Table 1. Members and House Staff Maximum Salaries in 2024
2025 Speaker of the HouseSpeaker of the House
$223,500 per annum$223,500 per annum
Majority and Minority LeadersMajority and Minority Leaders
$193,400 per annum$193,400 per annum
All other Representatives (including Delegates and Resident Commissioner From All other Representatives (including Delegates and Resident Commissioner From
Puerto Rico) $174,000 per annum$174,000 per annum
Puerto Rico)
Maximum rate for all House staff
$212,100 per annum
Sources

Maximum rate for all House staff

$225,700 per annum

Sources: For salaries of Members of Congress, P.L. For salaries of Members of Congress, P.L. 118-47119-4 (March (March 23, 202415, 2025) and Executive Order ) and Executive Order 1411314132 (December 23, 2024); for ; for
maximum (and minimum) rate of pay for House staff, Order of the Speaker, reprinted in 2 U.S.C. §4532, maximum (and minimum) rate of pay for House staff, Order of the Speaker, reprinted in 2 U.S.C. §4532,
including annual supplements, and OPM, including annual supplements, and OPM, “"Rates of Pay for the Executive Schedule,Rates of Pay for the Executive Schedule,” " https://www.opm.gov/policy-https://www.opm.gov/policy-
data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2023/executive-senior-levelsalary-tables/pdf/2025/EX.pdf. Estimates may also be obtained by examining . Estimates may also be obtained by examining
the quarterly the quarterly Statement of Disbursements of the House..
Table 2. Senators and Senate Staff Maximum Salaries in 2024
President pro tempore
$193,400 per annuma
Majority and Minority Leaders
$193,400 per annum
All other Senators
$174,000 per annum
Maximum rate for all Senate staff
$221,900 per annum
Sources:2025

President pro tempore

$193,400 per annum^a

Majority and Minority Leaders

$193,400 per annum

All other Senators

$174,000 per annum

Maximum rate for all Senate staff

$225,700 per annum

Sources: For salaries of Members of Congress, P.L. For salaries of Members of Congress, P.L. 118-47119-4 (March (March 23, 202415, 2025) and Executive Order ) and Executive Order 1411314132 (December 23, 2024); and, ; and,
for maximum rate for all Senate staff, the Order of the President pro tempore, implementing a pay increase for for maximum rate for all Senate staff, the Order of the President pro tempore, implementing a pay increase for
Senate employees, issued March 15, 2022Senate employees, issued March 15, 2022 (contained in, and March 24, 2025 (contained in the annual supplements for 2 U.S.C. §4571 note), and OPM, 2 U.S.C. §4571 note), and OPM, “"Rates of Pay for the Rates of Pay for the
Executive Schedule,Executive Schedule,” " https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/20242025//
EX.pdf. Estimates may also be obtained by examining the semiannual EX.pdf. Estimates may also be obtained by examining the semiannual Report of the Secretary of the Senate..
a. a. The U.S. Constitution provides that the Vice President shall serve as President of the Senate, and that when The U.S. Constitution provides that the Vice President shall serve as President of the Senate, and that when
the Vice President is absent from the Senate, the President pro tempore presides in his place. During a the Vice President is absent from the Senate, the President pro tempore presides in his place. During a
vacancy in the position of the Vice President, the President pro tempore is considered the temporary, vacancy in the position of the Vice President, the President pro tempore is considered the temporary, ful -
full-time President of the Senate and is paid the salary level due the Vice President (2 U.S.C. §6111).time President of the Senate and is paid the salary level due the Vice President (2 U.S.C. §6111).

Congressional Research Service

12

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Congressional Salaries and Allowances: In Brief


Author Information

Ida A. Brudnick

Specialist on the Congress



Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan
shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and
under the direction of Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other
than public understanding of information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in
connection with CRS’s institutional role. CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not
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copy or otherwise use copyrighted material.

Congressional Research Service
RL30064 · VERSION 43 · UPDATED
13

Jane M. Wright assisted in compiling the data for this update.

Footnotes

1.

The differing compensation for the three senior positions in each chamber is long-standing. See 2 U.S.C. §4501 note.

2.

For additional information, see CRS Report 97-1011, Salaries of Members of Congress: Recent Actions and Historical Tables; and CRS Report 97-615, Salaries of Members of Congress: Congressional Votes, 1990-2025, by Ida A. Brudnick.

3.

The House employee program was authorized by P.L. 108-7 (Feb. 20, 2003; 117 Stat. 354; 2 U.S.C. §4536). The Senate employee program was authorized by P.L. 107-68 (Nov. 12, 2001; 115 Stat. 563; 2 U.S.C. §4579). For additional information on student loan repayment programs in the federal government generally, see U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), "Student Loan Repayment," https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/student-loan-repayment/#url=Overview.

4. For additional information, see U.S. Congress, House Committee on Ethics, "The 2025 Outside Earned Income Limit and Salaries Triggering the Financial Disclosure Requirement and Post-Employment Restrictions Applicable to House Officers and Employees," memorandum, 119^th Cong., March 12, 2025, https://ethics.house.gov/outside-employment-pink-sheets/the-2025-outside-earned-income-limit-and-salaries-triggering-the-financial-disclosure-requirement-and-post-employment-restrictions/, and U.S. Congress, Senate Select Committee on Ethics, "Financial Thresholds & Limits," https://www.ethics.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/financial-thresholds-limits. 5.

For example, House Rule XXV (119^th Congress) states that a Member may not "receive compensation for affiliating with or being employed by a firm, partnership, association, corporation, or other entity that provides professional services involving a fiduciary relationship except for the practice of medicine" or "serve for compensation as an officer or member of the board of an association, corporation, or other entity." For additional information, see House Rule XXV and Senate Rule XXXVI.

Section 210 of the House-reported version of the FY2024 legislative branch appropriations bill (H.R. 4364) would have limited consideration of certain medical and dental services as a fiduciary relationship. The FY2024 Senate-reported bill (S. 2302) did not include this provision, nor did the FY2024 act (P.L. 118-47). The FY2025 House-reported bill (H.R. 8772) and the FY2026 House-reported bill (H.R. 4249) also contained this provision, while the Senate versions (S. 4678, 118^th Cong., and S. 2257, 119^th Cong., respectively) and the FY2025 act (P.L. 119-4) did not. 6.

An honorarium, for example, is defined by the House as a "payment of money or a thing of value for an appearance, speech, or article (including a series of appearances, speeches, or articles) by a Member, Delegate, Resident Commissioner, officer, or employee of the House, excluding any actual and necessary travel expenses" (House Rule XXV).

7. This prohibition was included in the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 (P.L. 101-194, November 30, 1989, 103 Stat. 1776-1778) and incorporated into House Rule XXV. See also: U.S. House, Committee on Ethics, House Ethics Manual, 2008 edition, 110^th Cong., 2^nd sess. (http://ethics.house.gov/), p. 189. 8.

The Ethics Reform Act (P.L. 101-194, November 30, 1989, 103 Stat. 1782) reduced the limit on honoraria from 40% to 27% of salary beginning in 1990, with further decreases set to accompany Senate pay raises. The FY1992 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act (P.L. 102-90, August 14, 1991, 105 Stat. 450-451) subsequently banned honoraria. See also Senate Rule XXXVI and U.S. Senate, Select Committee on Ethics, Senate Ethics Manual, S.Pub. 108-1, 2003 Edition, 108^th Cong., 1^st sess. (https://www.ethics.senate.gov/public/_cache/files/f2eb14e3-1123-48eb-9334-8c4717102a6e/2003-senate-ethics-manual.pdf), pp. 97-101.

9.

66 Stat. 467, July 9, 1952; 67 Stat. 322, Aug. 1, 1953; 26 U.S.C. §162.

10.

For additional information, see CRS General Distribution Memorandum, "Legislative History of Tax Deductions for Members of Congress," by Ida A. Brudnick (available to congressional clients upon request); and, 66 Stat. 467, July 9, 1952.

11. See the final rule on implementation (Office of Personnel Management, "Federal Employees Health Benefits Program: Members of Congress and Congressional Staff," 78 Federal Register 60653, October 2, 2013) and subsequent information provided by the House Chief Administrative Officer and Senate Disbursing Office. See also CRS Report R43194, Health Benefits for Members of Congress and Designated Congressional Staff: In Brief, by Ada S. Cornell and https://dchealthlink.com/. 12.

"Notice of 2025 OAP Medical Services Enrollment Fee," e-Dear Colleague sent by the Committee on House Administration, February 12, 2025.

13.

H.Res. 253, 70^th Cong. See also CRS Insight IN11390, Office of the Attending Physician, U.S. Congress: Background Information and Response to Public Health Emergencies, by Ida A. Brudnick.

14. For additional information, see OPM, "Life Insurance," https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/life-insurance/. 15.

Plan options vary for Members first elected before 1984 and those first elected in 1984 or later. For additional information, see CRS Report RL30631, Retirement Benefits for Members of Congress, by Katelin P. Isaacs.

16.

For additional information, see CRS Report R40962, Members' Representational Allowance: History and Usage, by Ida A. Brudnick.

17.

For resolutions from the 118^th Congress, see https://cha.house.gov/committee-resolutions. For resolutions from the 116^th and 117^th Congresses, see https://democrats-cha.house.gov/committee-activity/committee-resolutions.

18. For more details on permissible use of personal, campaign, and official funds, see U.S. Congress, House Committee on House Administration, Members' Congressional Handbook (https://cha.house.gov/handbooks-and-rules) and U.S. Congress, Committee on Ethics, House Ethics Manual, 110^th Cong., 2^nd sess. (GPO, 2008), (http://ethics.house.gov/). 19.

See Committee on House Administration, committee resolutions, https://cha.house.gov/committee-resolutions .

20.

According to the committee resolution, travel includes a "Variable amount for official travel expenses, including travel between Washington, D.C., and the district, as well as local official travel within the district and out of district official travel.... "

21.

The Statement of Disbursement stated each Member's 2012 MRA was "88.92% of the amount authorized in 2010 ... in accordance with a 5% reduction to the 2010 authorization mandated in House Resolution 22, agreed to on January 6, 2011, and a 6.4% reduction to the 2011 authorization as reflected in H.R. 2055, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012." For the 2012 formula, see U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer, from January 1, 2012, to March 31, 2012, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 112-106, 112^th Cong., 2^nd sess. (GPO, 2012), p. 3225. For the 2013 formula, see U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer, from April 1, 2013, to June 30, 2013, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 113-41, 113^th Cong., 1^st sess. (GPO, 2013), p. 2597.

22.

U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer, from April 1, 2014, to June 30, 2014, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 113-141, 113^th Cong., 2^nd sess. (GPO, 2014), p. 2559.

23.

U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer, from January 1, 2015, to March 31, 2015, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 114-29, 114^th Cong., 1^st sess. (GPO, 2015), p. 2854.

24.

U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer, from January 1, 2016, to March 31, 2016, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 114-120, 114^th Congress, 2^nd sess. (GPO, 2016), p. 2861.

25.

U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer, from October 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 115-89, 115^th Congress, 1^st sess. (GPO, 2017), p. 2491.

26.

U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer, from July 1, 2018, to September 30, 2018, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 115-161, 115^th Cong., 2^nd sess. (GPO, 2018), p. 2523.

27.

U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer, from January 1, 2019, to March 31, 2019, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 116-26, 116^th Cong., 1^st sess. (GPO, 2019), p. 2981.

28.

U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer, from January 1, 2020, to March 31, 2020, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 116-116, 116^th Cong., 2^nd sess. (GPO, 2020), p. 3399.

29.

U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer, from April 1, 2021, to June 30, 2021, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 117-48, 117^th Cong., 1^st sess. (GPO, 2021), p. 2657.

30.

U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer, from January 1, 2022, to March 31, 2022, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 117-130, 117^th Cong., 2^nd sess. (GPO, 2022), p. 3085.

31.

U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer, from January 1, 2023, to March 31, 2023, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 118-27, 118^th Cong., 1^st sess. (GPO, 2023), p. 3535.

32.

U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer, from January 1, 2024, to March 31, 2024, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 118-128 (118^th Cong., 2^nd sess. (GPO, 2024) p. 3811.

33.

U.S. Congress, House, Statement of Disbursements of the House, as compiled by the Chief Administrative Officer, from January 1, 2025, to March 31, 2025, part 3 of 3, H.Doc. 119-36, 119^th Cong., 1^st sess. (GPO, 2025), p. 3559. The calculations exclude nonvoting Members, including Delegates and the Resident Commissioner. Members elected by special election and sworn in during the session are also excluded since the allowance level may be prorated.

34.

2 U.S.C. §5321. The 18-person limit first became effective in 1975 (Committee Order No. 16, Congressional Record, March 6, 1975, p. 5556), while the four additional other-than-permanent staff were authorized in 1979 (H.Res. 359, agreed to on July 20, 1979, and enacted into permanent law by P.L. 96-536, §101(c), December 16, 1980, 94 Stat. 3167). See also P.L. 104-186, 110 Stat 1720, August 20, 1996.

35.

For additional information, see U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO), "Congressional Relations," https://www.gpo.gov/who-we-are/our-agency/congressional-relations.

36.

See P.L. 115-244 and 2 U.S.C. §§5347-5352.

37.

P.L. 100-137, October 21, 1987, 101 Stat. 814, 2 U.S.C. §6313. For additional information, see CRS Report R44399, Senators' Official Personnel and Office Expense Account (SOPOEA): History and Usage, by Ida A. Brudnick.

38.

U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, Legislative Branch Appropriations, 2025, report to accompany S. 4678, 118^th Cong., 2^nd sess., July 11, 2024, S.Rept. 118-192 (GPO, 2024).

39.

U.S. Congress, Senate Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Legislative Branch, Legislative Branch Appropriations, 2026, report to accompany S. 2257, 119^th Cong., 1^st sess., July 10, 2025, S.Rept. 119-38 (GPO, 2025).

40.

FY1995 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, P.L. 103-283, July 22, 1994, 108 Stat. 1427, 39 U.S.C. §3210.

41.

Ibid., p. 24.

42.

2 U.S.C. §6317(c).

43.

2 U.S.C. §6317(b).

44.

2 U.S.C. §6317(f).

45.

2 U.S.C. §6317(c)(2).

46.

P.L. 106-57, 113 Stat. 412, September 29, 1999; 2 U.S.C. §6317(c)(2).

47.

For example, the Economic Allocation Fund, the Office Automation Allowance, and the Constituent Service System Fund.

48.

For additional information, see GPO, "Congressional Relations," https://www.gpo.gov/who-we-are/our-agency/congressional-relations.

49.

P.L. 111-68, October 1, 2009, 123 Stat. 2026, 2 U.S.C. §4108.

50.

Prior to the change in 2020, in general, the maximum annual rate of pay for House and Senate staff had been equivalent to $1,500 dollars below Members' salary. The House and Senate pay orders also listed ceilings for various categories of House and Senate staff, respectively.

For the House: U.S. Congress, House, Order of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, effective January 9, 2009, issued January 9, 2009; and U.S. Congress, House, Order of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, effective January 1, 2020, issued January 27, 2020 (contained in 2 U.S.C. §4532).

For the Senate: U.S. Congress, Senate, Order of the President pro tempore, effective January 1, 2018, issued March 23, 2018; and U.S. Congress, Senate, Order of the President pro tempore, effective January 1, 2021, issued January 5, 2021 (contained in 2 U.S.C. §4571 note).

51.

No Order of the Speaker was located for 2024. The orders are generally reprinted in the annual supplement to 2 U.S.C. §4532. For Executive Schedule (EX) pay rates, see OPM, "Basic Rates of Pay for Employees in Senior-Level and Scientific or Professional Positions," https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2021/executive-senior-level (2021), https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2022/executive-senior-level (2022), https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2023/executive-senior-level (2023), and https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2025/EX.pdf (2025).

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