Congressional Pension Integrity Act of 2026

Scripture is clear that those entrusted with governing authority bear a heightened responsibility to act justly. Romans 13:1-4 frames public office as a stewardship, and Proverbs 29:2 reminds us that when the righteous govern, the people flourish. A lawmaker who criminally abuses that office has not merely broken a law; he has violated a sacred trust placed in him by his constituents and, ultimately, by God.

The Congressional Pension Integrity Act of 2026 adds a new section 8323 to chapter 83 of title 5, United States Code. That section prohibits payment of annuity or retired pay to a Member of Congress, or to his survivors and beneficiaries, based on service that is creditable toward those benefits, when the Member has been convicted of any offense enumerated in the bill and committed during congressional service. Pension forfeiture takes effect from the earlier of the date of conviction or the date the individual's status as a Member is terminated.

The enumerated offenses are specific and serious: rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse of a minor, participation in a sex-trafficking venture, any crime of violence as defined in 18 U.S.C. 16, and offenses falling under federal statutes governing bribery and graft, elections, embezzlement and theft, mail and wire fraud, obstruction of justice, and the Federal Election Campaign Act. This precision is a feature, not a limitation. The bill targets conduct that directly corrupts or violates the dignity of the office, without sweeping in unrelated personal circumstances.

The bill also contains a second, distinct forfeiture mechanism under subsection (c). Even absent a criminal conviction, a Member's pension may be forfeited if the relevant chamber determines, under its own rules, that the Member engaged in sexual conduct with a subordinate officer or employee under his supervision. That determination likewise triggers forfeiture from the earlier of the determination date or the termination of membership. This provision recognizes that serious abuses of power can occur in ways that demand accountability even when criminal prosecution does not follow.

By statute rather than by political resolution, this bill creates a durable accountability mechanism that survives changes in congressional leadership and political climate. Public confidence in representative government depends on knowing that those who break faith with the people face real consequences. The American Council affirms that good governance is a moral imperative and that no public servant should draw a pension earned through an office he criminally corrupted or exploited. Supporting this bill is a straightforward act of stewardship over the common good.