As of 2012, the base salary for all members of the U.S. House and Senate is $174,000 per year, plus benefits. That base salary is lower than that of many lawyers, doctors and business people in the United States.Both houses of Congress have not raised member salaries since 2009.s of 2012, the base salary for all members of the U.S. House and Senate is $174,000 per year, plus benefits. That base salary is lower than that of many lawyers, doctors and business people in the United States.
A stock split is a corporate action that increases the number of the corporation's outstanding shares by dividing each share, which in turn diminishes its price. The stock's market capitalization, however, remains the same, just like the value of the $100 bill does not change if it is exchanged for two $50s.
These events are usually non-taxable, but change the number of shares you own and the basis of those shares. A stock dividend is generally declared in terms of a percentage. For example, in a 5% stock dividend, you will receive one additional share for every 20 shares you already own. A stock split is usually declared as a fraction. In a 2-for-1 split, you receive one additional share for every share you own (so that you end up owning two shares for every one you owned before the split).