Congressman bunks on cot
to save money

WASHINGTON (CNN/CSPAN) - The House is really his home. One freshman congressman is setting an example for some of his better-known colleagues on the Hill, and making a unique sacrifice in some uniquely tough times.

When the staff for House Republican Jason Chaffetz says the congressman is in, they really mean it. Chaffetz bunks down on a cot inside the closet in his House office on Capitol Hill every night.

"I was up until 12:45. Doing the people's business. Taking phone calls. Writing letters," said Chaffetz.

The office comes with a half-bathroom and what Chaffetz calls his "breakfast nook." By not renting an apartment, the congressman says there's more money to send home.

"I will save 1500 dollars a month doing this. Ya know, I've got a wife and three kids," he said.

There's just one problem. Things go bump in the night.

"My biggest challenge is what goes on in the hallway at night. There's this cleaning machine that comes down the hall at night. And it's got that obnoxious beep, beep, beep," said Chaffetz.

Although he's an unknown freshman in the House, word of his sleeping arrangements is spreading.

Congressman Chaffetz says it's about putting the nation's fiscal house in order. "We are now ten trillion dollars in debt. Ten trillion. Those are expenses that have to be paid at some point."

If he can tighten his belt in these tough economic times, he says so can Congress.

In case you were wondering, the congressman showers at the House gym.