What we pay Congressmen and benefits that come with it.

It must be tough being a U.S. Congressman. All those hard, long days sweating and grinding as they... wait. What does Congress even do again?

This week, Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.) complained that he is "stuck here making $172,000" according to the National Review Online.

Gingrey was complaining that his staff wasn't making any money now, but that in just a few years they could slink away off to K Street to make half-million dollar salaries working as lobbyists. Meanwhile, poor Congressman Gingrey has to settle on his low six-figure salary. 

It must be tough. 

But, in an effort to cheer up the Congressman, we combed through the benefits tied to being a member of the House of Representatives. Maybe the Congressman just doesn't know these benefits exist. 

So, Congressman Gingrey, we just wanted to let you know that you have the following benefits... that very few other Americans enjoy.

• A free company car
• Free gas
• Free parking - even at airports!
• Free flights almost anywhere in the world
• Per diem travel allowance... up to $3,000 per trip
• A month's paid vacation
• 3-day work weeks
• Free membership at a top-flight gym
• A pension plan and a 401(k) plan
• Full retirement benefits, including up to 44% of their six-figure salaries, at age 62
• Free top-of-the-line health insurance, with ten plans to choose from
• Fully covered by that insurance - even with pre-existing conditions

Gosh, sounds like he's really stuck in his career. 

The world's smallest violin is playing somewhere.