Why does congress set presidents salary

A, title V , Nov. Similar provisions were also contained in the following prior appropriation acts:. H, title III , Dec. F, title III , Jan. J, title III , Feb. Code Notes prev next. June 25, , ch. Editorial Notes. Amendments — Pub. Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries. Effective Date of Amendment Pub. Effective Date of Amendment Act Oct. Effective Date of Amendment Amendment by act Jan.

On top of their pay, the President of the United States is given separate expense accounts, including non-taxable travel accounts and entertainment funds. Upon leaving office, former presidents are given a pension and office space. They have secret service protection.

The first ladies of deceased ex-presidents also receive pensions. Factoring in all of those other perks, and the power that comes with the position, why do the taxpayers pay the president directly? The reason is largely ideological.

The rationale, as described by the founding fathers in the Federalist Papers , is that the president's salary reinforces their status as an employee of and servant to the American public. A president who is not beholden to the people for his livelihood is more likely to act on their own interests. Later generations may further argue that the presidential salary would be a necessity for any poorer citizens to get to the White House.

There is no automatic process to adjust government salaries for inflation. Members of congress increase their pay by passing as a bill through Congress. This poses a relatively firm restraint on the growth of executive pay in the United States. The value of the benefit is determined by a formula based on the initial date of election to office, the length of service, and the average of the three years of highest salary.

The Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of was enacted to cut off pensions for former members of Congress who are convicted of corruption-related crimes.

The Stop Trading On Congressional Knowledge Act of added to the list of crimes that would result in forfeiture of federal pension. However, in NTUF disclosed a loophole in the law that has enabled two convicted former Members to continue collecting a taxpayer-funded pension while in jail. The reform laws only apply upon final conviction, leaving open the eligibility for pension payments while appeals are ongoing, which could last for several years.