Press Release

Buchanan Votes to Deny Pensions to Certain Congressional Felons

"American taxpayers should not have to foot the bill for the retirement of convicted felons," said Buchanan.  "This bill would prevent sitting Members of Congress who violate the public trust by committing a felony related to their official duties from receiving their federal pension.  I hope the Senate will strengthen this bill to deny federal benefits to any congressional felon. " 

Currently, only a conviction of treason or espionage is grounds for forfeiture of a Congressional pension.  The pension bill would also strip Members of Congressional pensions if convicted of:

• Bribery of public officials;
• Acting as an agent of foreign principals;
• Conspiring to commit bribery or defraud the United States; 
• Committing perjury in relationship to the felonies listed above; and
• Member's pension will be revoked in the event of one Member attempting to influence another Member to commit perjury

Buchanan cosponsored stronger legislation that denied federal pensions to Members convicted of any of 21 felonies.  The House-passed bill would takes effect immediately after its enactment.