When it comes to tightening congressional ethics. what’s good for the lawmaker also is good for his staff. Thus believes Rep. Thomas J. Tauke. R-Iowa, who has introduced legislation to set limits on the honoraria a congressional staff member may eam through speeches and other outside activities. V Itls high time the statutory provisions goveming staff were harmonized with those of Congress itself. During the recent ethics drive, the House limited its members to honoraria totaling 15 percent of annual salary or an aggregate of $9,100, with a $1,000 ceiling per speech or article. But staff members still may earn as much as $25,000 per year in honoraria, and to $2,000 per occasion or article. True, a great many staff members have no opportunity for extra earnings. But for those who do, the limit should be coordinated with that for their bosses. The Tauke plan holds staff member maximums to 15 percent of annual salary with $1,000 per occasion. For the present, U.S. senators may earn as much as $25,000 per year in honoraria with a $2,000 ceiling per speech or article. But under new rules to be effective Jan. 1, 1983, limits for senators will be brought in line with house policy. Senate staff limits will drop to $300 for a single appearance and $1,500 annual aggregate. Tauke cited two reasons the house tightened rules for its members; “First, as public servants, we should be subject to higher ethical standards than the public. Second, we wanted to remove the possibility for undue influence by lobby groups on house members.” Now, he said, there is both possibility and incentive for abuse, by lobbyists and staff members alike. What the congressman said makes sense. Here’s a third reason: If a govemment employee, be he legislator or staffer, is devoting excessive time preparing speeches, traveling, and whatnot, he also may be neglecting official duties – and that violates a trust.