I would say this is ridiculous, until I read Snyder v. United States[1,2].
> Held: Section 666 proscribes bribes to state and local officials but does
not make it a crime for those officials to accept gratuities for their past
acts. Pp. 7–16.
The real kicker in that case is that Snyder claimed the money was payment for services as a consultant to Peterbilt--which would be an obvious and glaring conflict of interest with his duties as mayor. But as far as I can tell this wasn't even considered anywhere--not the Federal prosecutors and not the judges at any level.
I think a difference between a bribe and gratitude is pretty obvious. If the official had prior knowledge that he would receive an award, its a bribe. If he had no reason to expect it before making a decision, it's gratitude.
Naw it's fine... Just pay them $2/hr. They can make up the difference with tips. Also, they should have to share with the other congressmen/women evenly.
> Held: Section 666 proscribes bribes to state and local officials but does not make it a crime for those officials to accept gratuities for their past acts. Pp. 7–16.
1. https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/23pdf/23-108_8n5a.pdf.
2. https://www.scotusblog.com/case-files/cases/snyder-v-united-...