From what I've heard, most people in Congress are into insider trading, by which they are blackmailed and controlled by whoever gives them the inside information. So if the people take away their legal benefits, they will be forced even more into the illegal benefits, and the people will have even less influence than ever, while the deep dark state will have more hold over them. Not sure exactly what the answer is, but maybe term limits would be a good start, so you have some turnover and hopefully the new ones won't be got to by the bad guys.