South Iowa News

U.S. Representative Zach Nunn has introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at eliminating pension benefits for Members of Congress who are expelled. The Congressional Pension Accountability Act, co-sponsored by Representatives Anthony D’Esposito, Angie Craig, and Chris Pappas, seeks to prevent expelled members from collecting taxpayer-funded pensions and revokes any government match made to their Thrift Savings Plan accounts.

Rep. Nunn highlighted the case of George Santos, stating, “Thankfully, George Santos won’t be eligible to receive a pension because he didn’t hit the minimum term of service, but this episode exposed a major flaw that needs to be fixed: those who are unfit to serve in Congress are unfit to receive a pension.” He also mentioned the potential expulsion of Senator Robert Menendez as an example where such legislation would apply.

Rep. Craig emphasized fiscal responsibility with taxpayer dollars: “It’s our job to use taxpayer dollars responsibly, and that’s why I’m introducing this bipartisan bill to revoke retirement benefits for any Member who is expelled from Congress."

Currently, Members can receive pensions after five years of service unless they are fully convicted of certain crimes under the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act. However, expelled members not convicted remain eligible for pensions during lengthy appeals processes.

Rep. Pappas added his support by saying: “Members of Congress whose behavior rises to the high bar set for expulsion... shouldn’t be able to retire on the taxpayer’s dime.”

The proposed act aims to close this loophole by ensuring expelled members’ time in office does not count towards pension eligibility or calculation. While George Santos is ineligible due to insufficient service time, Senator Menendez's situation underscores the bill's relevance.

The legislation also targets federal contributions matching up to five percent in Thrift Savings Plans for members with over two years of service.