When this country was originally founded, the elected Congress men/women were to be of the people, by the people, and FOR the people. As most Americans would agree, Congress is no longer FOR the people. The salaries for all Congress Men/Women should be cut by 50% - 75% so they can once again be FOR the people.
The current salary (2013) for rank-and-file members of the House and Senate is $174,000 per year. Leaders of the House and Senate are paid a higher salary than rank-and-file members.
Senate/House Leadership
Majority Party Leader - $193,400
Minority Party Leader - $193,400
Speaker of the House - $223,500
This would greatly help to reduce the budget - eliminating undeserved and unnecessary expense.
Also, term limits need to be imposed - it should not be a life profession.