When in session, Congress members work an average of 70 hours a week, which mostly involves legislative and constituent responsibilities rather than politics, they say, according to a report released by the Society for Human Resource Management and the Congressional Management Foundation.

The responses in this report come from 25 members of the U.S. House of Representatives along with augmented with focus groups, interviews and data collected by the CMF.

"This report paints a picture of life as a member of Congress somewhat different than the one usually portrayed to the public," says Bradford Fitch, president and CEO of CMF and report contributor. "Members seem to be energized by their work, reporting that they are devoted to public service and are motivated by their contributions to society."