This change is deeply personal to me because I believe in a Congress that fights for the average American citizen - a Congress not viewed as "above" the rest. It's about leveling the playing field, ensuring that our representatives feel the same economic successes and struggles as those they represent.

In this spirit, I propose a significant alteration in the way our Congress members are compensated. Let's replace their term-based salaries with a per diem payment system. By directly tying their pay to the days they actively work, we create a financial environment similar to that faced by countless Americans.

Consider this: A Congressional representative earns $174,000 per year plus benefits, irrespective of the number of days they sit or work, according to the Congressional Research Service. On the other hand, the average American earns around $35,977 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau and often works on a day-to-day basis. Shouldn't our representatives be as committed to their work as everyone else?

A per diem system will afford Congress members a clearer and more personal understanding of the everyday American economic experience, influencing their decision-making process to be more inclusive and human-centered.

I believe a change like this would bring us closer to a true 'government of the people, by the people, for the people.' Hence, I ask you to sign this petition, advocating for a per diem compensation system for Congress. Let's create a Congress that truly works for us, in every sense of the word.