This isn't a great take. If Congress paid poorly only rich people (or their minions) would be able to afford the job. If Congress paid really well, like as well as engineering or banking, then people would be more heavily incentived to compete for the slot by getting better education, or by desiring the role in the first place. Since a lot of well educated highly qualified people are working elsewhere bc it is better pay and conditions, you can tell which reality we are already in.