More than half of the members of Congress are millionaires. But their staff -- the people who run the actual day to day work, write legislation, and meet with constituents -- often work 60-70 hour weeks, but can’t afford rent in one of the highest cost-of-living cities in the country.
As a result, Congressional workers don’t represent America. To take a staff job for a member of Congress, a worker has to either be financially independent through other means (usually a wealthy family member) or willing to go on food stamps. The low wages and long hours contribute to the revolving door, as they trade their experience on the Hill for a high-paid lobbying gig.