These are some of the most powerful people on earth, but their salaries only meet what one can earn in mid-level management retail positions. While it should be an honor to serve in such a capacity they also have expenses that other workers don't have, such as second homes in DC and travel.

I have advocated for some time for raising their pay considerably, like $500k - $1 million. We need the best and brightest in those seats and such a pay scale would not put a dent in our national budget. Then we can talk about imposing limitations to their outside earnings while knowing that we are attracting the level of thinkers and talent needed for such important work.