New Congress' office upgrades raise old gripes

摘要

Every two years, before the new recruits get to town, members of Congress are on the hunt to upgrade their office spaces, leaving the taxpayers to foot their moving bills. Requiring weeks to move furniture and swap phone lines, 2012's big shuffle cost about $1.5 million, according to an investigation by Scott MacFarlane of NBC-4 Washington. The Architect of the Capitol, which serves as the Capitol's moving company, reported in April that 222 House offices and 32 in the Senate moved during the transition into the 113th Congress. While busy saying their goodbyes to more than 60 departing colleagues, lawmakers sticking around are vying for their vacated real estate, including some of the most prime spots held by retiring veteran members.