It’s probably not necessary to pile on to Duke Cunningham’s already-obvious disgrace, but the question about whether he’ll receive his congressional pension is a matter of broader significance.
Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham (R-Calif.) will soon relinquish many of his properties and his freedom after pleading guilty to charges of fraud and conspiracy, but he will keep his government pension and could retain the privileges enjoyed by other former members of Congress.
Cunningham has served in the House 17 years, and his right to his federal pension will not be affected by his crimes, according to a senior House aide familiar with the rules. He will also receive benefits accrued during his service in the U.S. Navy, in which he served from 1966 to 1987.
Ordinarily, upon leaving Congress, former House members, like former senators, get lifetime floor privileges, access to the gym and a parking space.
“The Speaker’s office has yet to receive his letter of resignation,” said Ron Bonjean, a spokesman for Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), but he added that the office expects the letter soon. “We are looking at this matter very seriously,” he said. Cunningham’s access to the usual privileges has not been discussed, Bonjean said.
Fair enough. Cunningham’s resignation just happened; it’s not unreasonable to think the Speaker’s office hasn’t made any decisions about Cunningham’s benefits or privileges. But because the existing rules protect members’ pensions, even if those lawmakers have been convicted of crimes and sent to prison, it offers a chance to talk a bit about pension reform in general.
Here’s the pitch voters should hear: A corrupt congressman has more retirement security than you do.
About a month ago, PBS’s NOW with David Brancaccio did a very disturbing piece on the crumbling pension system for millions of American workers.
Currently, 44 million Americans are enrolled in traditional defined benefit pension plans. Here’s how they’re supposed to work: during your working years, your employer is supposed to set aside money on your behalf, with the promise that they’ll pay you a monthly benefit when you retire. But there’s a problem: looking to save money today, many companies aren’t setting aside enough money for the retirees of tomorrow.
Bradley Belt calls that “underfunding.” Add it all up, he says, and the shortfall for America’s pension plans is staggering.
How staggering? It’s a $450 billion problem.
When Duke Cunningham can count on his congressional pension, but workers at United Airlines can’t, it’s time for Congress to take a look at this issue.