Crapo, Risch, Colleagues Introduce Bill to Cut Sex Offenders’ Pensions

Washington, D.C.--U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch (both R-Idaho) introduced the No Taxpayer-Funded Pensions for Sex Criminals Act, which would prohibit sex criminals from collecting taxpayer-funded pensions. This follows reports of criminal misconduct at federal agencies like the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC).

Under current law, federal employees convicted of sex crimes, including against children, remain eligible to collect their taxpayer-funded pension, even from a jail cell.  The Senators are acting to protect innocent federal employees, create a healthier working environment and enforce real consequences to bad behavior in the workplace.

“Accountability and upholding public trust are tenants of good government, especially when it comes to the responsible spending of taxpayer dollars,” said Crapo.  “This legislation holds criminals convicted of monstrous acts accountable by cutting off their taxpayer-funded pension and sends a strong message that the federal government will not allow criminals to continue collecting benefits.”

“Real crimes deserve real consequences,” said Risch.  “Any federal employee convicted of a heinous crime should forfeit their right to a taxpayer-funded pension.  This will protect taxpayer dollars while holding criminals accountable for their actions.”

Senators Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-New York), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Rick Scott (R-Florida) and Marco Rubio (R-Florida) joined Crapo and Risch in introducing this legislation.