Congress Could Spend Up to $1.5M Per Year on Staff Peloton Memberships

House of Representatives staff and Capitol Police officers can receive free Peloton membership at taxpayers’ expense, according to a recent Fox Business report.

In an announcement from the House of Representatives Office of the Chief Administrative Officer, Congress will give staffers and officers free membership to the popular stationary bicycle Peloton app and Peloton all-access, costing up to $1.5 million annually if all employees take advantage of the offering.

Peloton brokered a special deal, charging Congress $10 per month for each employee that takes advantage of the deal, as well as an upfront $10,000.

A Peloton all-access membership costs $39 per month and a Peloton app membership retails for $12.99 per month.

The perk could cost up to $123,000 per month if all eligible congressional employees and officers take advantage of it, adding up to $1.5 million per year.

The special deal between Congress and Peloton comes after Peloton hired both an in-house lobbyist and two lobbying firms in March 2021, according to MarketWatch.

The in-house lobbyist will focus on “'Made in America’ manufacturing investment” and “legislation in support of social justice and human equality issues,” according to one disclosure, MarketWatch reported. Another focus will be “policymaking and government programming to support health and wellness of Americans, in particular during COVID-19 recovery.”

While it’s common for employers to offer perks such as gym memberships and fitness programming, the House and Senate both have gyms limited to representatives and senators.

The additional perks come as the House recently announced a new minimum salary of $45,000 per year for staffers.

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