Gingrey says aides go to K Street for $500k, while he's 'stuck here making $172,000.' | John Shinkle/POLITICO Report: Gingrey 'stuck' making $172K

In an argument against a special exemption allowing Hill staffers to buy health insurance, one lawmaker said he’s “stuck” making $172,000 a year, while aides will go on to make in big bucks lobbying on K Street, according to a report.

Staffers “may be 33 years old now and not making a lot of money. But in a few years they can just go to K Street…and make $500,000 a year. Meanwhile I’m stuck here making $172,000 a year,” Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.) said on Wednesday, according to the National Review.


The comments, which came in a closed-door meeting of congressional Republicans, angered some of the aides in the room, which led two to relay to the National Review.

( PHOTOS: White House salaries)

Gingrey, who’s own net worth the National Review reports, is at least $3 million, is against the special exemption that would allow Hill staffers and lawmakers to buy their insurance in the exchange markets, while still receiving a government subsidy to do so.

Furthermore, the median household income of the counties within Gingrey’s district were $49,060 to $66,717 according to Census data from 2007 to 2011.

In a follow up to his comments, the National Review reported Gingrey said that he did not remember exactly what he said, but stood by his position against the exemption.

“I was engaged in a dialogue with some members of our conference who truly believe that Congress should get special treatment. And some also believe that staff members should get special treatment. I happen not to believe that,” he added,” Gingrey said.

Follow @politico

This article tagged under: Lobbying

Phil Gingrey

Georgia