In 2002 , after years of fighting , he paid $ 1.2 million in taxes -- the amount he insisted he owed -- plus another $ 1.3 million in penalties and interest he racked up during the fight . 30 of the 39 members of House Ways and Mean have had tax issues of their own . Congress is responsible for making the country 's tax laws . These range from a $ 1 late payment to a $ 2.5 million tax bill . Some of the issues with congressional lawmakers involve state and local taxes .
30 of the 39 members of House Ways and Mean have had tax issues of their own . Congress is responsible for making the country 's tax laws . These range from a $ 1 late payment to a $ 2.5 million tax bill . Some of the issues with congressional lawmakers involve state and local taxes .