Washington, D.C. (rightcommentary.com): I was working for a Congressman when the scandal regarding the House Post Office unfolded. To the extent there was ever a “golden age of perks” for legislators - the mid to late 1980’s most definitely would have been that time. House and Senate members of Congress enjoyed a multitude of perks - free gym, haircuts, shuttled around town, and of course - in the case of the Post Office and “Congressional Bank” - even free money.

And now - it seems - according to CBS News reporting this morning - that the taxpayers are paying for luxury cars for the likes of Rep. Charles Wrangel. Rep. Charlie Rangel (D-NY) represents one of the poorest congressional districts in New York City. He often lambasts Republicans for being the party of the rich and ignoring the needs of the “poor.” According to CBS, I suppose the needs of the poor include a taxpayer funded Cadillac - costing over 700 dollars a month:

Congressman Charles Rangel was recently seen getting out of his Cadillac DeVille, which he leases for $774 per month. Then there was Congressman Jose Serrano, getting out of his Buick LaCrosse, which he leases for $317 per month. And how about this one: Congressman Gregory Meeks was recently seen waiting for Congressman John Conyers to step out of Meeks’ Lexus LS460, which Meeks leases for $998 per month.

All those leases are picked up by taxpayers through a little-known program available only to members of the House of Representatives.

Members of the House who choose to lease through the program have had a great deal of leeway. Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY), for example, leases a 2008 Chevy impala for $219/month. Congressman Ed Towns (D-NY) used to lease a Lincoln for $845 per month, but switched to a 2008 mini-SUV made by Lincoln, the MKX, which costs $715 per month.

Before going any further a bit of a history lesson is in order about what happened in 1991 that ended much of the “free ride” of Congressional perks.

Way back in 1991, Republican freshman Jim Nussle made national news by appearing on the floor of the House of Representatives donning a paper bag over his head. Representative Nussle went on to criticize the then Democrat-led House for its actions, or more appropriately, its inactions in the face of the infamous House banking scandal.

This fit of showmanship by Nussle was meant to impose a mantle of shame upon the Democratic leadership of the House, and so it did. In the following months, some 355 House members, past and present, were involved in writing over 20,000 bad checks that totaled over $10.5 million dollars.

In 1993, the still Democratic-led House then suffered a House Post Office scandal, in which representatives traded stamps and official House postal vouchers for cash. Finally, House Ways and Means committee chairman Dan Rostenkowski essentially looted his own campaign funds for his own personal extravagancy.

That period of time - in which Republicans showed remarkable leadership - ended most of the perks for members of Congress. No more free plane flights. No more free haircuts. No more free gyms. No more free lunches…

Again - Charlie Wrangel represents some of the poorest in the country. When asked about his 12 thousand dollar a year car - here’s what he said:

“It really pleases me that (my constituents) appreciate driving in a comfortable car, especially the senior citizens,” said Congressman Wrangel.

He might as well have said, “Let them eat cake.”

The U.S. Senate does not permit its members to lease cars with public money.

So when you go to the pump this weekend - take comfort in the fact that Charlie Wrangel doesn’t have to worry about the high price of gas… or even making a car payment for that matter.