Capital charity?

Speaking of charity, Congress seems to know no bounds when it comes to itself. At a time when the Reagan administration is urging government discipline and calling for sacrifice, it is especially unseemly for the federal lawmakers to be feathering their own nests.

The Senate and House have not gone so far as to vote their members an outright pay increase. But they are near to voting themselves unlimited deductions from their taxable income to cover living expenses in Washington. This means most legislators will be able to deduct well over $10,000 a year for meals, housing, and other expenditures -- a move that will only fuel the capital's already inflated economy.

How can such a move be justified?