New Bipartisan Bill Introduced to End Congressional Pensions for Those Who Commit Sex Crimes, Fraud and More

Two weeks ago, a bipartisan group introduced the Congressional Pension Integrity Act. This bill would prohibit members of Congress who commit sex crimes, crimes of violence, corruption and fraud, and engage in sexual relations with their staff members, from receiving their taxpayer-funded pensions.

The bill’s primary sponsors explained why:

“Members of Congress should be held to a high standard and serve as an example to their constituents, not embarrass the institution with criminal behavior and sex crimes. Taxpayers should not have to pay pensions to Members who commit heinous crimes while serving in office, but right now we do. This bill changes that and provides real accountability,” said Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA).

“No Member of Congress who is convicted of sexual assault should continue to benefit from taxpayer-funded pensions. Regardless of party, this is basic accountability and something we should all agree on, which is why I am proud to co-lead this critical legislation alongside my colleague from across the aisle, Rep. Suhas Subramanyam,” said Rep. Luna (R-FL).

The bill’s co-sponsors include Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Emily Randall (D-WA), Nancy Mace (R-SC), and James Walkinshaw (D-VA). The Congressional Pension Integrity Act ensures that members of Congress who are convicted of a crime or who break House rules by engaging in sexual conduct with, sexually assaulting, or harassing staff are stripped of their pension. Those crimes include:

• Rape

• Sexual Assault

• Sexual abuse of a minor

• Sex trafficking

• Crimes of violence

• Bribery and conflict of interest crimes

• Election fraud/tampering

• Embezzlement and theft

• Mail fraud

• Obstruction of justice

• Campaign finance violations

• Members who engage in sexual conduct with their staff

The full text of the bill, HR 8427, can be found here.

This is a bare minimum consequence for our leaders who engage in misconduct, especially sexual misconduct. So please call your representatives and ask them to co-sponsor this legislation. Calls and emails DO work! I found out today in a meeting with Rep. Subramanyam’s staff on another topic that this Congressional session has seen a huge number of bills filed -- more than 8000! So it will take constituent pressure to make sure the ones we want get enacted. It might be a chaotic time, but some things still get done. Make sure they are the things YOU want.