The House voted to give the widow of Senator Frank Lautenberg a $174,000. gift (tax payer dollars, tax free). We also note her husband's net worth: $56.8 million. "According to Roll Call’s 2012 annual survey of congressional wealth, which is based on 2011 financial disclosure reports, Lautenberg’s estimated net worth was $56.8 million." Source: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2013/09/24/house-agrees-to-give-late-senator-wife-174000/ While we extend our sympathies to Mrs. Lautenberg, the time honored practice of giving tax free gifts to the widows of former members of Congress must stop, and certainly in this case is absolutely unwarranted. Special thanks to Daniel Schuman for he and his teams Watch Dog efforts, and for his article: "End Congress' Death Gratuity" http://www.citizensforethics.org/blog/entry/end-congress-death-gratuity and Fox news for breaking the story. Congress of the United States of America: Immediately cease from following the 1918 Cannon's Precedents which sets a precedent for the U.S. House of Representatives, to pay death gratuities to deceased lawmakers’ spouses. Furthermore the passage of any resolution which approves the payment of such a death benefits in the past 30 days is to have the death benefit section immediately rescinded. The American people work hard and have the choice to pay into life insurance to afford their spouses and families some opportunity for a financial safety net. Congress can do the same. Congressional members can elect to receive term, permanent Coverage AARP life insurance policy from New York Life.

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