Congressional travel

Interesting front- page article in today's Wall Street Journal about congressional travel increasing 70% from 2005 to 2008. online.wsj.com/article/SB126092430041092995.html

But the total expense cited was chump change -- only $13 million. It's tough to get too concerned about that when Congress is running trillion dollar deficits. And while there's great detail on their $118 daily food allowances and the cost of hotel rooms in London ($340 a night) and Edinburgh ($1500 for a shared suite), none of it seemed outrageous.

Having Senators and representatives travel abroad -- even to nice places -- seems like a good way to broaden their perspectives and make them more aware how fast the world is globalizing.

What's more disturbing was the revelation that these folks were travelling on Air Force planes, commandeered for their use. And they apparently had Air Force-supplied aides carrying their suitcases and embassy workers driving their vans. Those costs aren't disclosed, and judging by NetJets' norms, a trans-Atlantic private jet flight costs $40-80,000 depending on the size of the plane. I say, let them fly commercial. Even last minute business class flights would save the taxpayers a lot of money. And it would keep the lawmakers in touch with the experiences of their constituents.