6 ways the government shutdown saves taxpayers money

A lot of attention has been placed on the $300 million per day the US is losing thanks to the government shutdown. That money represents work and services the government isn't doing because it's shut down. 

But did you ever think the government shutdown would be saving American taxpayers money? 

Well, maybe you don't know what Congresspeople spend on a daily basis.

Here is a look at some choice spending by House representatives over the last quarter of 2012. To the tune of $30,000 on food alone.

House leaders say the funds went toward work-related meetings and luncheons. Whatever it was for, taxpayers foot the bill.

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House Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio)

Boehner's office spent $11,482.93 in the last three months of 2012. $2.594,31 which went to Taylor Gourmet catering.

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Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)

Pelosi's office spent $6,555.44 over the last three months of 2012. Her biggest expenditure: $1,796 at Helen Olivia, a floral shop in Virginia, and Surrounding Flowers.

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Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.)

McCarthy's office spent a total of $9,995.10. About $2,500 was spent at Qdoba Mexican Grill. 

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Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.)

Cantor spent about $753.99 on Deer Park Water. 

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Minority Whip Stenty Hoyer (D- Md.)

Hoyer's expenditures on food alone came to $3,810 of taxpayer money. These services included Capitol Host catering and Panera Bread. 

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Rep. Steve Chabot (R.-Ohio)

Congress doesn’t just love to spend money on food. Chabot spent $30,380 on postage. 

*The Fiscal Times analyzed congressional reports of what House of Representative leaders spent over the last three months of 2012. The numbers come from a congressional disclosure report from the last quarter of 2012.