(D) congressmen riding on taxpayers' dime

[franksolich]

http://wcbstv.com/seenon/car.lease.us.2.713776.html

Oh my.

These are all Democrats, but please notice the omission of that fact.

On YOUR Dime: Congressmen Lease Luxury Cars
Little-Known But Exploited Loophole Allows Politicians To Drive, Maintain Expensive Cars, SUVs On Taxpayer Money

Rep. Charles Rangel: 'My Constituents Appreciate It'

NEW YORK (CBS) ― You may not realize it, but members of the House of Representatives can lease a car and have it paid for by you -- the taxpayer. And it's not just the car, but gas, registration, insurance … the works.

And as CBS 2 HD found out, there's no limit on how much they can spend.

Congressman Charles Rangel was recently seen getting out of his Cadillac DeVille, which he leases for $774 per month. Then there was Congressman Jose Serrano, getting out of his Buick LaCrosse, which he leases for $317 per month. And how about this one: Congressman Gregory Meeks was recently seen waiting for Congressman John Conyers to step out of Meeks' Lexus LS460, which Meeks leases for $998 per month.

All those leases are picked up by taxpayers through a little-known program available only to members of the House of Representatives.

You can probably just imagine the kind of reaction CBS 2 HD got from everyday citizens outside Meeks' Jamaica, Queens office.

"They should all drive cheaper cars, why not?" Richard Candelario said. "I mean, you know, they're making the money. I mean, we shouldn't pay for their cars."

Members of the House who choose to lease through the program have had a great deal of leeway. Congressman Anthony Weiner of Brooklyn, for example, leases a 2008 Chevy impala for $219/month. Congressman Ed Towns of Brooklyn used to lease a Lincoln for $845 per month, but switched to a 2008 mini-SUV made by Lincoln, the MKX, which costs $715 per month.

Rangel spoke to CBS 2 HD by phone about the seemingly extravagant expenses being racked up on the taxpayers' dime:

CBS 2 HD: "How would you answer those people who say, 'Well, but it's taxpayer money. Instead of $700 a month, could you find something for, say, $300 a month?'"

Rangel: "I could probably find something for ... one of those red cars and then I think my constituents would say, 'With all the money that he gets, this is the respect he shows us?'"

Earlier, Rangel released a statement, further addressing the issue.

"When I'm in New York, my car is my office. I use it to conduct Congressional business. It really pleases me that (my constituents) appreciate driving in a comfortable car, especially the senior citizens," Rangel said.

"The car isn't just a vehicle for getting around; it's an important part of doing my job and my constituents appreciate it."

Taxpayers CBS 2 HD spoke with were not buying that rationale.

"I drive a Toyota RAV and I feel that he could drive a Toyota RAV and probably lease it for $200," taxpayer Cathy Kraut said.

Of the 42 Congressmen in New Jersey and New York about a dozen participate in the leasing program.

The U.S. Senate does not permit its members to lease cars with public money.

[DumbAss Tanker]

With a sleazeball like Rangel, I'm amazed he isn't tapping it for more.

[djones520]

He feels we appreciate him spending our money like that?  I'll show him how much I appreciate it.....

[Chris_]

We're paying for their gas, too.   

Congressional records show that about 125 members of the House make use of the benefit, which has been in place since at least the 1980s and is part of the allowance provided for their office operations. They include Representatives Charlie Melancon of Louisiana (2007 Chevy Tahoe), Bobby L. Rush of Illinois (2007 Lincoln Navigator) and Alcee L. Hastings of Florida (2006 Infiniti M45).

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/01/nyregion/01cars.html

[rich_t]

I heard about this on the radio today.  I am not surprised to find out another way that congress screws over the tax payers.

[Lacarnut]

I guess, greaseball Rangel could not get his fat ass into one of those small fuel efficient cars. A couple of his partners in crime also fit into that category. If these yo yo's are going to drive these gas guzzlers, they should at least let us drill in Anwr and on the outercontinental shelf on both coasts. These DC critters are not setting a good example for us common folks.

[DixieBelle]

The libtards are silent I see *eyeroll*

anyone remember this?
http://michellemalkin.com/2008/01/30/how-big-is-the-house-democrats-carbon-footprint/

A tipster points to these photos of the Democrat bus brigade waiting outside the Longworth House Office Building to take them to a party retreat in Virginia. Seems the buses were left idling for nearly three hours–while the Democrats were inside blowing hot air at a global warming hearing.

The FamousDC blog notes that there’s a city environmental law in D.C. banning the idling of vehicles for more than three minutes.

But since the buses were on federal property, the gaseous Dems got a pass.

Carbon debits, anyone?