It is irresponsible in this time of rising debt and talks of fiscal cliffs to keep paying our part time representatives a base pay of $174,000 a year when they only put in part time work. Automatic pay raises should be abolished and any pay raises should now be based on a merit system to be voted on by the people of the United States.
Congress will have taken 239 vacation days this year at the time of this writing. Their health and retirement benefits should also be adjusted to reflect this new pay scale as a part time worker.
All congressional perks such as automobiles, free parking, franking and funds to redecorate their offices should be abolished. All "fun money" and allowances should also be abolished. Part time workers do not need to pay $900,000 for 18 employees.