Rep. Renzi Introduces Legislation to Take Away Mark Foley's Congressional Pension

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Appalled by the misconduct of former Congressman Mark Foley, U.S. Rep. Rick Renzi (AZ-01) recently announced he will introduce legislation to deny the disgraced congressman his Congressional pension and formally punish him by the full House of Representatives. Under current rules, Foley is eligible to receive an annual pension of $32,000 once he reaches the age of 62. "As a father of twelve, I am disgusted by the actions of former Congressman Mark Foley, and believe he ought to be formally punished by the House of Representatives" said Congressman Renzi. "Former Congressman Foley's misconduct has endangered the well-being of children and disgraced the House of Representatives, and it is unthinkable that he would be eligible for a Congressional pension at taxpayer expense." Currently, any unlawful conduct may subject a member of the Armed Forces to discipline, and ultimately a less than honorable discharge, which would typically disqualify a service member from receiving veterans' benefits. Congressman Renzi's proposal would similarly give the House of Representatives an opportunity to sanction dishonorable members of Congress and prohibit them from receiving a congressional pension and other privileges normally granted to former members of Congress. Under current law, conviction of only a "high crime" such as treason or espionage is sufficient grounds for a Member of Congress to be deprived of his or her pension. Rep. Renzi will introduce the legislation at the earliest opportunity when the House of Representatives reconvenes in November.