First Class Senators

In less dire economic times, Sens. Chuck Schumer and John Cornyn's travel expenses would still look bad, but now, they look positively outrageous. The two senators have already spent more money on air travel than most people make in a year: Over $140,000 each. Cornyn, Republican from Texas, comes in first place, having spent $38,000 alone on a retreat in Maryland for 59 staffers, Politico reports. Schumer, New York's Democratic senator, comes in second with a hefty bill stemming from his games of aerial hopscotch all over New York state. Schumer prefers using charter planes when flying--even if his destination has regular commercial airline service. Both senators' spokesmen attributed their travel bills to the size of their states, as well as the need to keep in touch with all their constituents.