A Channel Two Action News investigation--how much taxpayer money are local members of congress spending on *themselves*? And what are they buying? We went to Washington to dig up the answers. Some of them will surprise you.

Each Georgia member of the U.S. House represents about the same number of constituents. Each gets about the same amount of taxpayer money to run their offices and pay their bills. But, as we discovered, each has a much different idea about how to spend that money!

Article One, Section Seven of the Constitution says the U.S. House is put in charge of raising taxpayer money. A Channel Two investigation has found they're pretty good at spending it too.

Especially the one million-plus they're each given to run their own offices and pay their bills.

Tom Schatz of the Citizens Against Government Waste says, "They'll run out and buy plasma TV’s. They'll buy camcorders. They'll use every single penny"

We found Tom Delay of Texas spent taxpayer funds for a Sports Illustrated subscription.

Pennsylvania's John Murtha, -- often seen on television these days -- spent $6,000 for a big-screen TV.

Closer to home -- Georgia legislator John Linder -- uses your tax money to lease a Lexus for his office.

We found John Lewis -- spends $662 tax dollars a month for a Pontiac. Phil Gingrey - drops 738 bucks a month for a Yukon. No car for Lynn Westmoreland - who working in a city with a top-notch subway-- spent 500 dollars-plus last year for taxi fare.

How about Cynthia McKinney - who has spent thousands of tax dollars in the last year for food and beverages for her meetings.

A purchase taxpayer group say that is *especially* disturbing, because she's not the only Georgia leader doing it. Representatives Price, Brown, and Scott have spent hundreds to cater their meetings too.

Pete Sepp with the National Taxpayers Union says, "Not every meeting has to be an occasion to break bread or break open water bottles. Sometimes you can accomplish your business in a few minutes and be done with it"

Each house member spent nearly every penny they were given in 2004. No one spent less than 84 percent of what they were given.

Watchdog groups say some lawmakers are burning through hundreds of thousands of our tax dollars to mail you brochures and pamphlets such as direct mail highlighting their accomplishments and new government programs.

$55,000 plus in 2004 by Mister Gingrey. $71,000 by Mister Scott. $63,000 from January to August by Ms. McKinney. Some spend a ton--others don't.

Schatz says, "Members of congress get so much free media, why do they have to send something through the mail"

Members defend the mail - saying e-mail, websites, even TV appearances don't reach all constituents. And they say other purchases -- are made strictly to help serve constituents.

Rep. Phil Gingrey of the 11th district says, "We have to be good stewards. People are looking to us to be responsible with our money as we run our own office, absolutely"

Rep. Tom Price of the 6th district says, "Our own budget in our office is just like a household budget. We have to make sure we have the priorities in place when we spend that budget"

But critics wonder if lawmakers couldn't get by on less for the sake of a nation deeply in debt.

Each of our local reps responded to our inquiries, saying every expense was necessary to serve you. Not one of them would go on camera to explain any of the individual expenses.

They said through statements--running a government office is expensive.

But critics point to Pennsylvania Rep. Tim Murphy...who spent only 80 percent of his office budget and gave the rest back.

All but three representatives did provide written responses. You can view those by clicking here Representatives Response To Spending Query