by The Heritage Foundation

About the author: The Heritage Foundation is a conservative public policy research institute in Washington, D.C., that advocates free-market economics and limited government.

Members of Congress continue to enjoy numerous unjustifiable perks, despite the strides made by the new congressional majority [of Republicans in 1995] against waste and big spending on Capitol Hill. Eliminating seven special benefits still enjoyed by Members of Congress is the objective of the Citizen Congress Act, which was introduced in the House in November 1995.

Republicans Mark Sanford (SC) and Wayne Allard (CO) introduced the bill, which they view as furthering reforms, such as reduced congressional spending and staffing and the application of private-sector laws to Congress, already achieved by the 104th Congress. The bill would reform congressional pay, pensions, health care, travel, and mailing practices. It is...