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I am proud that the Senate companion to my bill, the No Corruption Act, passed out of the House of Representatives yesterday. 

Those who serve in Congress should be held to the highest of standards in order to instill trust and confidence in our government. Anyone who does not measure up should NOT receive a taxpayer funded pension—which for some Members can surpass $70,000 per year. 

Under current law, Members of Congress who have been convicted of various crimes related to public corruption remain eligible to receive a taxpayer funded pension until all avenues for appeal have run out. This can take YEARS. Even if the appeal is unsuccessful, there is no claw back of funds wrongfully paid back. 

The No Corruption Act fixes that loophole by IMMEDIATELY stripping a Member’s pension upon initial conviction rather than final conviction. If an appeal was successful, the money halted by this legislation would still be fully paid back retroactively. 

With this simple reform, taxpayer money is not given to criminals, and the interest of taxpayers is balanced with the rights of the accused. Americans would be outraged if they know about the various perks that former Members of Congress receive. Pension payments to those who have been convicted of a crime is yet another example of wasteful spending that needs to be terminated. It is time Members of Congress start acting like everyday Americans—not elitist politicians sheltered from their own rules! 

I would like to thank Senators Jacky Rosen and Rick Scott for their bipartisan work in getting this legislation passed by Unanimous Consent in the Senate, and I am glad that my colleagues in the House did the same yesterday. 

Next stop: the White House to be signed into law!