Each gets about the same amount of taxpayer money to run the office and pay the bills.

But, as we discovered, each has a much different idea about how to spend that money.

Article I, Section 7, of the Constitution says the U.S. House is in charge of raising taxpayer money.

Channel 6 News discovered they're pretty good at spending it, too - especially the over $1 million they're each given to run their own offices and pay their bills.

Tom Schatz, former House staff member, said, "Members love to spend. If you don't spend it by the end of the year, you don't get credit for it."

A few examples: Tom Delay of Texas spent taxpayer funds for a "Sports Illustrated" subscription. John Linder of Georgia drives a taxpayer-funded Lexus.

Pennsylvania's representatives in particular have helped fill the classical ancestral buildings of Washington with cutting-edge, state-of-the-art electronics.

For example, John Murtha spent $6,000 tax dollars for a plasma TV in his office and $12,540 for videoconferencing equipment. Mike Doyle spent $7,312.33 for a plasma TV and $13,518.65 for videoconferencing equipment. And Melissa Hart's staff can watch her floor speeches on the 42-inch TV she bought for her personal office from a manufacturer in her district for $2,467.

"An LCD TV or a plasma TV might be a nice thing to have, but there are plenty of high-resolution televisions you can get for under $1, 000," said Pete Sepp of the National Taxpayers Union.

And watchdog groups are concerned by the findings.

John Peterson uses $773 tax dollars a month to lease a 2005 GMC Yukon, which his office said is necessary for winter driving. Bill Shuster purchased a $739 mahogany guest chair for his office. And John Murtha paid a $505 food tab to a Capitol Hill catering service last January.

However, Murtha said he is cautious with tax money.

"Every one of us has an obligation to cut spending whenever we can," Murtha said.

Former House staffers also say members of Congress also spend a significant amount of money to communicate with constituents on television, in local newspapers, and on government-provided websites.

Furthermore, direct mailings - such as brochures and pamphlets - are one of the most expensive forms of communication. In 2004, Shuster spent $128,000 on the direct mailings, which are often used to highlight accomplishments and new programs.

The most frugal Pennsylvania member, Tim Murphy of Pittsburgh, spent only 80 percent of his allowance and gave the rest back to the government. Overall, he spent about $100,000 less than our local representatives. Local members of Congress spent between 80 and 98 percent of their allowance in 2004.

However, the offices of all local Congressional members said these expenses - from cab rides to food to direct mail - are necessary to serve constituents.

- Scott MacFarlane, Washington Correspondent - COX TV