Nearly 25% of House of Representatives lawmakers rewarded members of their staff late last year, according to CNN.

The bonuses were distributed despite dire warnings about the government being forced to impose draconian budget cuts and burdensome tax hikes unless Congress and the White House reached a compromise (which they did at the last minute).

Members of both political parties defended the bonuses, calling them a reward for good work and an incentive to maximize efficiency.

"We have not had raises or bonuses in several years. The small compensation reflects an increased workload each person had to take on after our staff was downsized because of budgetary cuts,” Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Florida) told CNN.

Democratic Representative Mike Thompson of California said he has “a hard working, dedicated team,” and that he wanted “to pay a salary that reflects their service.”

Thompson added that he only gives bonuses if there is “money left over” at the end of the year.

Another Democrat, Representative Gary Ackerman of New York, who retired this year after 20 years in the House, led the list of biggest givers by handing out $147,633.34 as going-away presents. A Democrat may have headed the list, but the next nine next biggest givers were all Republicans.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

To Learn More:

Some Lawmakers Gave Staff Bonuses as Fiscal Cliff Loomed (by Eric Katz, Government Executive)

Congressional Bonuses in a Time of Cuts (by Lisa Desjardins, CNN)

List of Apparent Bonuses (CNN)

What Jobs will be Lost if Congress Can’t Settle the Budget/Debt Crisis? (by Matt Bewig, AllGov)

Bill Would Ban Bonuses for Federal Employees under Investigation…If They Work for GSA (by Noel Brinkerhoff, AllGov)

VA Office Gave Bonuses While Disability Claims Piled Up (by Noel Brinkerhoff, AllGov)