6 1A n E x t e n d e d E x a m p l eimpossible. Such a completely absurd system has developed through the
years on salary computations for clerical hire that we have under discussion
a mathematical monstrosity. We are usually told that the gross allowed is ap-
proximately $35,000. This is inaccurate. In one office the total might be less
than $35,000 and in another, in complete compliance with the law and with-
out any conscious padding, the amount may be in excess of $42,000. This
is possible because of a weird set of formulae which determines that three
clerks at $5,000 cost less than five clerks at $3,000. Five times three might
total the same as three times five everywhere else in the world—but not in
figuring clerk hire in the House.
This is an application of an absurdity. It is a violation of bookkeeping
principles, accounting principles, business principles and a violation of com-
mon sense. Listen to the formula:
First, 20 percent increase of first $1,200; 10 percent additional from $1,200
to $4,600; 5 percent further additional from $4,600 to $7,000.
Second, after applying the increases provided in paragraph 1, add an ad-
ditional 14 percent or a flat $250, whichever is the greater, but this increase
must not exceed 25 percent.
Third, after applying the increases provided in both paragraphs 1 and 2,
add an additional increase of 10 percent in lieu of overtime.
Fourth, after applying the increases provided in paragraphs 1, 2, and 3,
add an additional increase of $330.
Fifth, after applying the increases provided in paragraphs 1, 2, 3, and 4,
add an additional increase of 5 percent.
Sixth, after applying the increases provided in paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5,
add an additional increase of 10 percent but not more than $800 nor less than
$300 a year.
Seventh, after applying the increases provided in paragraphs, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,
and 6, add an additional increase of 7½ percent.
Eighth, after applying the increases provided in paragraphs, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
and 7, add an additional increase of 10 percent.
Ninth, after applying the increases provided in paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7, and 8, add an additional increase of 7½ percent.
The Disbursing Office has a set of tables to figure House salaries for office
staffs and for about 900 other employees. It contains 45 sheets with 40 entries
per sheet. In the Senate, at least, they have simplified the process some by
figuring their base in multiples of 60, thus eliminating 11 categories. Com-
mittee staffers, incidentally, have an $8,880 base in comparison to the House
$7,000 base limitation.
Now, Mr. Speaker, I have planned to introduce an amendment or a substi-
tute which would grant additional clerk hire where there is a demonstrable
need based on heavier than average population or “election at large” and pos-
sible other factors. But after becoming involved in this mathematical maze, I
realize the folly of proceeding one step until we have corrected this situation.
We can offer all kinds of excuses for avoiding a solution. We cannot offer rea-
sonable arguments that it should not be done or that it cannot be done.97364_ch04_ptg01_059-078.indd 61 15/11/13 9:50 AM
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