Letter to the Editor - Reconnect the discussion between taxpayers and lawmakers

The Washington Post reported on June 4, 2024:

“More than 300 [U.S.] House [of Representative] lawmakers were reimbursed at least $5.8 million for food and lodging while on official business in Washington last year under a new taxpayer-funded program that does not require them to provide receipts.”

As a former legislative aid on Capitol Hill, we always provided travel, food, and lodging receipts. It was good government. The costs were public information. It was communicating with taxpayers it matters what ‘bills’ get paid with their taxes. It enabled a serious discussion whether taxpayers wante...