U.S. Senators Joni Ernst and Kirsten Gillibrand announced on May 1 that they have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at stopping convicted sex offenders from receiving taxpayer-funded federal pensions.
The senators say their proposal addresses a gap in current law, which allows federal employees convicted of sex crimes, including offenses against children, to continue collecting their pensions even while incarcerated. The new legislation seeks to prevent this practice and ensure accountability within the federal government.
“There should be absolutely no room for the tolerance of egregious sex crimes,” said Senator Ernst, who is a survivor of sexual assault. “Allowing proven predators to continue collecting their pensions on the taxpayer’s dime only serves to greenlight unacceptable behavior, and I won’t stand for it. My commonsense, bipartisan bill imposes consequences for sex offenders, prevents abuse in the workplace, and safeguards taxpayer dollars.”
Senator Gillibrand said: “It’s outrageous that federal employees convicted of sex crimes are eligible to collect their taxpayer-funded pension. The bipartisan No Taxpayer-Funded Pensions for Sex Criminals Act ensures that no hard-earned taxpayer dollars are spent supporting criminal sex offenders. I’m proud to support this commonsense bill that will provide much-needed accountability.”
According to the official website of Senator Ernst, her office assists Iowans with matters involving Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, immigration issues, and military affairs according to the official website. Ernst served more than 23 years in the Iowa Army National Guard and achieved the rank of lieutenant colonel; she also commanded troops during Operation Iraqi Freedom according to the official website. She grew up on a family farm in Montgomery County where her parents taught her about hard work and service according to the official website.
Ernst became Iowa’s first woman elected to federal office when she joined Congress according to the official website. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University as well as a master’s degree in public administration from Columbus State University according to the official website.
The introduction of this bill could affect how future cases involving convicted sex offenders employed by the federal government are handled regarding retirement benefits.