Members of Congress

Members of Congress Congress is made up of people from a variety of different backgrounds, but is not yet considered a representative cross section of American society On average, members of Congress are white men in their early 50’s Of the six representative in Nevada, 4 are white males, 1 black male, 1 white women

Most Common Traits Among Congress Married w/Children (2) Religious Affiliation Protestant Catholic Many are lawyers Most went to college Advanced degrees Born in the state that they represent Political experience Average Senator is serving their 2nd term Typical Rep. has served 4 terms Most are upper middle class Americans

Roles of Congressman Senators and Representatives play five different roles Legislators Representatives to their Constituents Committee Members Servants of their Constituents Politicians

Compensation Being a member of Congress is a job, and like other jobs, you get paid (or compensated) for your work The Constitution says that members of Congress may set their own pay On average, most Reps and Senators make about $162,000 per year In addition, Congressional members may also receive nonsalary compensation Travel allowances, special tax deductions, cheap life & health insurance, retirement plan, offices, money for staff, franking privilege, free printing, etc.

Compensation Although Congress may set its own salary, there are limits. Limits include… Presidents veto power Potential voter backlash Members of Congress also receive other benefits One such benefit is legislative immunity which protects them from lawsuits for libel and slander This is a Constitutional provision; the Framers believed that freedom of speech was a vital part of legislative debate This protection applies whether debating on the floor, working in committee, or anything done in relation to Congressional business