Some Newly Elected to Shun Perks but Keep Free Parking at Airport

Many of the 110 freshmen in the House of Representatives say they intend to shun the perks that come with their new jobs. But some want to keep free parking at National Airport, contending that it is vital to stay close to the voters.

Having reserved and close-to-the-terminal parking at busy National Airport would be “part of performing my job appropriately,” Charles T. Canady (R-Fla.) said.

“We ought to facilitate people getting out of town as fast as possible to spend more time in their district,” agreed Rep.-elect Earl Pomeroy (D-N.D.).

Aside from parking, however, congressional perquisites had few defenders among newly elected lawmakers interviewed in their home states since the election. Many ran against the image of a Congress that had grown apart from the people.

“Anything that smacks of a double standard, anything that makes Congress a separate class . . . should be eliminated or put on a non-subsidized basis,” said Democrat David Mann of Cincinnati.

“Everything should be cut to the absolute bone,” Tom Barlow (D-Ky.) said. “We’re in for lean times in the nation and people want discipline.”

The new lawmakers will find that the House, in the aftermath of the House bank scandal, already has reduced some perks and raised fees for others.

The House bank was closed. The fee for using the House gym rose from $100 a year to $400. Free prescriptions were abolished.

But some of the most politically valuable benefits were left untouched. Among them are the right to send mail free to constituents and the use of congressional TV studios and satellite service.