It seems members of the House of Representatives could take some advice from students, their mere constituents.

Consider this: Former Rep. Tommy Robinson, R-Ark., wrote 996 bad checks in 16 months. If he paid $25 for each mistake, he would be out $24,900 in bank charges.

At the present tuition rate, that's $7,292 less than the cost of four years at the University for in-state students (including computer fees).

While Robinson is the worst offender in Congress' scandal-of-the-month, the overall picture is a sobering one -- 355 current and former House members who hold themselves above the rules that apply to everyone else.

As students, we are used to dealing with limited bank accounts. So we thought we would offer some cost-cutting advice to help Congresspeople balance their own budgets so maybe they can start balancing the nation's.

-- Brown bag it. Forego those $200-a-plate luncheons and break out the peanut butter. If there's a microwave on Capitol Hill, you might even try those Chef Boyardee instant meals.

-- Cut wardrobe expenses. The key word here is "accessorize." If there's not enough money for yet another dark blue or grey suit, just try a new hanky or perhaps a lapel flower. New cuff links or a scarf can give you that new-suit feeling without that new-suit price.

-- Trim travel expenses. This is a biggie. Why not try recapturing your crazy college days and start roadtripping to conferences and campaign stops. Pop in some old music from the days when you actually wanted to change the world for the better and roll baby roll.

With elections just around the corner, representatives should be held more accountable to their bank accounts and their constituents.