THERE are few union members in Congress, but the legislators this year have realized labor's old dream of far more pay for much less work. Since raising their annual salaries from $30,000 to $42,500 early in the session, they have produced virtually no significant legislation. The Senate met only twice last week. House leaders privately admit that they are scrounging for enough official business to keep the lower chamber functioning three days a week. Representative Otis Pike of New York told constituents in a recent newsletter: "Congress as a legislative operation has almost ceased to exist."
The feeling is widely shared on...
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