The government has threatened to cut off benefits to Social Security recipients and veterans with regard to the "debt ceiling."

What I would suggest is that paychecks to Congress members be cut first. Most of them are independently wealthy and don't live paycheck-to-paycheck like the common folks. I have just learned that Congress members receive generous medical, dental and vision benefits, as well.

So, if a member serves five years in Congress and leaves for any reason, that ex-government employee receives these outstanding benefits after retirement for the rest of his or her life. I wonder how many of us, the struggling 47 percent, are aware of this? After hearing this, I confirmed it with the Richland Public Library.

KATHLEEN MCCADDON, Richland