Bipartisan Bill Seeks to Deny Pensions to Convicted Members of Congress

U.S. Representatives Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) and Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), along with Reps. Lauren Boebert (R-CO), Emily Randall (D-WA), Nancy Mace (R-SC), and James Walkinshaw (D-VA), introduced the bipartisan Congressional Pension Integrity Act on April 21, 2026.

According to a statement from Subramanyam’s office, the legislation would bar members of Congress who commit “sex crimes, crimes of violence, corruption and fraud, and engage in sexual relations with their staff,” from receiving taxpayer-funded pensions.

“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. Subramanyam.

“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.

Under current rules, members of Congress who commit serious offenses may still retain their pensions. Lawmakers backing the bill argue that existing standards fall short of ensuring accountability for those convicted of crimes or found to have sexually assaulted or harassed staff. The proposed legislation would revoke pensions for members convicted of certain offenses or who violate House rules by engaging in sexual conduct with, sexually assaulting, or harassing staff.

The measure covers a range of offenses, including rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse of a minor, sex trafficking, crimes of violence, bribery and conflict of interest violations, election fraud or tampering, embezzlement, theft, mail fraud, obstruction of justice, campaign finance violations, and sexual conduct with staff.

“Americans are sick of being let down by the people elected to represent them,” said Rep. Randall. “We already strip taxpayer funded pensions from Members convicted of corruption, bribery, and treason – sexual assault and harassment must be taken just as seriously.”

“With accusations of ethical and legal misconduct swirling around several current and former members of Congress, Americans are rightly asking why their taxpayer dollars are going to officials who violated their constituents’ trust,” said Debra Perlin, Vice President for Policy at Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington. “When members of Congress leave office after committing violent criminal offenses, they should not be able to continue collecting American taxpayer dollars by drawing their pensions. CREW is proud to support Rep. Subramanyam and Rep. Luna’s Congressional Pension Integrity Act of 2026 and encourage Congress to pass it expeditiously.”

Subramanyam serves on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform and the Ethics Committee.

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