Because who can live off of just $174,000 a year?

Via NBC News:

The congressman who said lawmakers in Washington are “underpaid” has introduced legislation that would give a daily housing stipend to members who travel to and from the Capitol for legislative business.

Democrat Jim Moran of Virginia proposed a measure giving lawmakers an additional $25 for every day they are working in DC, saying the money is needed to help them cope with the high cost of living in the area. Members of Congress are currently paid $174,000 per year.

The legislation – in the form of an amendment to a larger spending bill – failed Wednesday by voice vote in committee negotiations.

Moran’s proposal would only have applied to members whose primary residence is outside a 50 mile radius of the Capitol; Moran, who is retiring, would not have been eligible because his northern Virginia district is less than 10 miles from the halls of Congress.

“Federal elected office shouldn’t be limited just to those who are financially independent and do not have to give thought to paying out-of-pocket for living expenses while in D.C.,” Moran said in a statement. “We’re in the 5th year of a COLA freeze for Members’ pay. This reform would at least offer some relief from the cost of renting a second residence in the Washington Metropolitan area.”