Colorado Lawmakers Expensed $220,000 in Housing Costs
Colorado representatives claimed these amounts for housing and meal reimbursements while working in Washington, D.C.
Updated on Oct. 11, 2026 in Budgeting
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Between January 2025 and June 2026, Colorado lawmakers collected $219,864.84 in reimbursements for housing and meal expenses. This program is designed to offset the cost of maintaining two residences alongside the $174,000 congressional salary.
Why it matters
The reimbursement program aims to support representatives managing household budgets across two locations, though it highlights the ongoing costs associated with public service roles. The expense data reflects a broader national trend where House meal and lodging claims rose 21% from 2024 to 2025.
Colorado representatives accounted for $219,864.84 in reimbursements, with individual totals ranging from Rep. Gabe Evans at $43,471 to Rep. Brittany Pettersen at $21,328.64. Nationally, total House meal and lodging expenses reached $6.7 million, marking a 21% increase from 2024 levels.
The players
Rep. Gabe Evans
A U.S. Representative who claimed $43,471 in housing and meal reimbursements.
Rep. Lauren Boebert
A U.S. Representative who claimed $38,733 in housing and meal reimbursements.
Rep. Jeff Hurd
A U.S. Representative who claimed $31,460.78 for 10 months of activity.
Rep. Jeff Crank
A U.S. Representative who claimed $30,734.88 in housing and meal reimbursements.
Rep. Jason Crow
A U.S. Representative who claimed $30,112.23 in housing and meal reimbursements.
The details
Lawmakers utilize the Member Representational Allowance to cover costs, with rules requiring them to stay within established per diem rates for Washington, D.C. The current reimbursement program allows for lodging and meal claims without the submission of receipts, though it explicitly excludes mortgage payments. While expenses were recorded over an 18-month period, no claims were listed during congressional recess in August 2025 or the government shutdown period in October 2025.
Timeline
January 1, 2025: Data reporting period for house expenses began.
August 2025: No expenses were listed during this congressional recess.
October 2025: No expenses were listed during the government shutdown.
May 2026: Representative expense reporting for this dataset was cut off.
June 30, 2026: Data reporting period for house expenses ended.
Money Landscape
These reimbursements operate under the U.S. House Member Representational Allowance, which helps officials manage the fixed costs of living in two cities. This recent activity follows a national trend where total House meal and lodging expenses climbed by 21% year-over-year.
While these figures reflect congressional expense allowances, they serve as a reminder for households to review their own living-related reimbursement policies or per diem structures. When managing work-related travel or multi-residence housing, consult a qualified tax professional regarding documentation requirements.
The takeaway
These reimbursement figures illustrate the administrative costs involved in maintaining congressional residence in the capital. Readers should consider maintaining thorough records for any work-related housing or meal expenses to ensure they comply with their specific employment or tax guidelines.
Further reading
For more on managing fixed costs and legislative financial policies, visit the Budgeting section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Colorado Public Radio.
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