Congressionaly compensation is excessive compared to working Americans. This imbalance creates a disconnect between the people and the person representing them. Congressional position should be unpaid, then the people who are actually passionate about the issues will seek office and not the career politicians seeking only to obtain the lavish compensation package currently used.
It is absurded that congress can vote themselves raises. There is no other job in the world in which the employee decides how much they should be paid.
If there is compensation to congress than the separation of powers doctrine should be employed to allow a fair and reasonable compensation package.
In our current economically cimate and for the future, we need prudent spending.