INDIANAPOLIS – From Indiana to Washington, D.C., and back to Hoosierdom again, members of Indiana’s congressional delegation split time between their districts and the nation’s capital — more than 500 miles each time.
Hoosier representatives and senators all maintain homes in Indiana, and some additionally rent or own separate houses or apartments in D.C. Several of those with dual residences told the Indiana Capital Chronicle they chose to do so for their family’s sake, as well as to cut down on travel time and costs that mount up quickly from circling back and forth between cities.
Many elected officials have famously shared apartments and houses. And for some members of Congress, an office on Capitol Hill becomes a home of sorts, doubling as an apartment while they live and work in D.C.
Opinions among constituents have long varied, with some arguing that representatives should set up bases in D.C. to focus on legislative work. Others yearn for more face time with elected officials, even lodging criticisms on social media at members like Third District Rep. Jim Banks — who notably owns a second house not far from the U.S. Capitol.
The Republican congressman maintains that his D.C.-area home — while valued at about $1 million — is modest for the capital region, where average house prices currently exceed $800,000.
GOP Sen. Todd Young additionally juggles his family’s home in Johnson County with an apartment he rents while staying in D.C. Young said he travels to the Capitol when the Senate is in session, typically Monday through Thursday.
“Early in his congressional career, Sen. Young and his wife, Jenny, decided they want to raise their children in Indiana,” his office told the Capital Chronicle.
Read the entire Casey Smith story for the Indiana Capital Chronicle, here.
