he annual salary of each senator, as of 2009, is $174,000;[8] the President pro tempore and party leaders receive $193,400.[9] In June 2003, at least 40 of the then-senators were millionaires.[10] In addition to their salaries, senators' retirement and health benefits are identical to other federal employees, and are fully vested after five years of service.[9]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Senate
I think he can afford to pay them the 25,000 dollars.

If not let the Republicans have Lieberman. Hell they can have Pelosi as well. She's been anything but a good democrat or a good house leader.