US congressman saves dollars by sleeping in office

With many Americans facing an enforced period of belt tightening, one elected representative is showing solidarity by giving luxury a miss and sleeping in his office.

Newly appointed Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz has vowed to forego the hotel splendour many of his colleagues in Washington enjoy in favour of a period of fiscal restraint at his Capitol Hill abode.

And it would appear he is not alone. At a time when the nation is getting to grips with economic woe, some 30 other congressmen are also opting to bed down under the work desk, he claims.

Mr Chaffetz, 41, was sworn in as a member of Congress on Tuesday.

The Republican freshman has since set up his humble sleeping quarters in his office – in a bid to maximise work and save the odd dollar or two.

He estimates that in turning his back on a hotel while in Washington he is able to save around $1,500 (€1,114) a month.

The former businessman said: “I ran as a fiscal conservative. I have a wife and three kids, I have a mortgage and a car. I refuse to go into debt, I refuse to live beyond my means.”

Furthermore, Mr Chaffetz, believes his actions should serve as an example to others finding themselves needing to cut back during the recession.

“We have to learn as a nation to do more with less. We all have to make a little sacrifice, our country is in debt and we have to get out of it,” he said.

He added that feedback from voters back in Utah has been positive.

Despite the frugal sleeping arrangements, Mr Chaffetz said it wasn’t as bad as it may seem.

“I have a mini refrigerator that I throw some drinks and yoghurts in – but I make do. I have to go to the basement to get a shower.

“My wife’s biggest concern is how it is going to smell. But I make showering a priority.

And he claims to be among a select band of frugal congressmen opting to use their desk as a place to lay their head after a hard day in the office.

“There are about 30 members of Congress that do the same thing, most haven’t been bragging about it though,” Mr Chaffetz said.