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WASHINGTON - When lawmakers passed a new ethics bill last year, they bragged that they had finally closed a loophole that let lawmakers convicted of serious crimes continue drawing their congressional pensions.
But at least two current lawmakers under indictment could still be eligible for retirement benefits despite the ethics bill signed into law Sept. 14.
Rep. Rick Renzi, R-Ariz., won't stand to lose his taxpayer-funded pension even if he is found guilty of using his position in Congress to his financial benefit. That's because the crimes he is suspected of committing took place before the law was enacted.
Under new rules, lawmakers can lose their retirement benefits if convicted of certain crimes - including bribery, conspiracy or perjury - that were committed after the law was passed.
Murder and other serious charges are not included under the crimes that would render lawmakers ineligible for a pension.
"It's telling taxpayers we're only going to subject ourselves to punishment at certain times and for certain crimes," said Pete Sepp, a spokesman for the National Taxpayers Union, which pushed for the change. "That doesn't include knocking over a liquor store or killing someone."
You won't believe the retirement amounts that we are paying some criminals!
One that caught my intertest.
• Aug. 29, 2003: Rep. William Janklow, R-S.D., charged with felony second-degree manslaughter and three misdemeanors after his car struck and killed a motorcyclist. He was convicted of vehicular homicide and sentenced to 100 days in prison.
100 days for killing a motorcyclist. Do you suppose he got 20 for 30 while in prison?
Can you believe we are going to pay Renzi 15000.00 a year retirement?
how about this guy... Cunningham, who pleaded guilty to taking $2.4 million in bribes and evading more than $1 million in taxes, is eligible for a $36,000 annual pension from his eight terms in Congress. He also receives a military pension.
Why are you complaining? We are paying full salaries to three United States Senators while they campaign full time for the President's seat. And if they lose, they just go back to Washington and hang out in the Senate again.
I have an idea this is why the congressional elections cost so much per candidate. It's worth a bunch of money if you win!
As for Renzi, he served a whole term didn't he? Gee whiz.
I don't think there should be a retirement for any of them, up to and including the president. If they spend all thier money to get elected, tough! Why should we help support them after they lose an election? How much is Ted Kennedy going to receive if he ever gives it up? Career politicans are a joke. They can't get a job anywhere else.
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Note: The Payson Roundup does not necessarily agree with comments posted below - responsibility lies with the relevant user alone. Read our full policy.
Posted by Shovelhead (Mike McLaughlin) on March 8, 2008 at 9:46 a.m. (Suggest removal)
WASHINGTON - When lawmakers passed a new ethics bill last year, they bragged that they had finally closed a loophole that let lawmakers convicted of serious crimes continue drawing their congressional pensions.
But at least two current lawmakers under indictment could still be eligible for retirement benefits despite the ethics bill signed into law Sept. 14.
Rep. Rick Renzi, R-Ariz., won't stand to lose his taxpayer-funded pension even if he is found guilty of using his position in Congress to his financial benefit. That's because the crimes he is suspected of committing took place before the law was enacted.
Under new rules, lawmakers can lose their retirement benefits if convicted of certain crimes - including bribery, conspiracy or perjury - that were committed after the law was passed.
Murder and other serious charges are not included under the crimes that would render lawmakers ineligible for a pension.
"It's telling taxpayers we're only going to subject ourselves to punishment at certain times and for certain crimes," said Pete Sepp, a spokesman for the National Taxpayers Union, which pushed for the change. "That doesn't include knocking over a liquor store or killing someone."
Arizona Republic article
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/0308renzi0308.html
You won't believe the retirement amounts that we are paying some criminals!
One that caught my intertest.
• Aug. 29, 2003: Rep. William Janklow, R-S.D., charged with felony second-degree manslaughter and three misdemeanors after his car struck and killed a motorcyclist. He was convicted of vehicular homicide and sentenced to 100 days in prison.
100 days for killing a motorcyclist. Do you suppose he got 20 for 30 while in prison?
Posted by patrandall (pat Randall) on March 8, 2008 at 10:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Shovelhead,
Watch out for politicans while out on your Harley. (:
Posted by Shovelhead (Mike McLaughlin) on March 8, 2008 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Can you believe we are going to pay Renzi 15000.00 a year retirement?
how about this guy...
Cunningham, who pleaded guilty to taking $2.4 million in bribes and evading more than $1 million in taxes, is eligible for a $36,000 annual pension from his eight terms in Congress. He also receives a military pension.
Talk about just plain wrong!
Posted by Ruby_Finney (Ruby Finney) on March 8, 2008 at 10:37 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why are you complaining? We are paying full salaries to three United States Senators while they campaign full time for the President's seat. And if they lose, they just go back to Washington and hang out in the Senate again.
I have an idea this is why the congressional elections cost so much per candidate. It's worth a bunch of money if you win!
As for Renzi, he served a whole term didn't he? Gee whiz.
Posted by patrandall (pat Randall) on March 8, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I don't think there should be a retirement for any of them, up to and including the president. If they spend all thier money to get elected, tough! Why should we help support them after they lose an election?
How much is Ted Kennedy going to receive if he ever gives it up?
Career politicans are a joke. They can't get a job anywhere else.
Post a comment
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