More proof that if you’ve got power, you probably have money that helped you get it. Sixteen Westerners are among the 50 richest Congressfolk, according to Roll Call’s annual ranking. The math, however, amounts to lowball estimates: On financial disclosure forms, lawmakers report in ranges ($1 million to $5 million, for example), so the totals represent only net minimum worth. Their real fortunes are almost certainly higher.

This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline The good seats don’t come cheap.

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Sarah Gilman is an HCN contributing editor and Washington-based writer and illustrator who covers the environment, natural history and science. Her work has appeared in The Atlantic, Audubon Magazine and YES! Magazine, among others. @hiddendrawerdesigns on Instagram.