[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 22 (Friday, February 3, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S2079]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         COSPONSOR S. 228--BRYAN BILL ON CONGRESSIONAL PENSIONS

  Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, during the past year I have repeatedly 
been approached by citizens of my State of Michigan who have expressed 
their outrage about the current congressional pension system. 
Initially, their anger was focused upon what they believed to be an 
exorbitant level of compensation for Members of Congress. Later in the 
campaign, another issue also rose; namely, the shroud of secrecy which 
surrounded congressional pensions themselves.
  Because of my experience, during the campaign I pledged to introduce 
or cosponsor legislation which would bring congressional pension plans 
into general line with the rest of the Federal Government and with the 
private sector. I also committed myself to eliminating the shroud of 
secrecy which has surrounded the pension system by pushing for full 
disclosure. Consequently, I am today announcing my cosponsorship of S. 
228, the bill introduced by the Senator from Nevada, Senator Bryan, 
which will bring the pension compensation for Members of Congress in 
line with that currently available to members of the Federal civil 
service.
  However, because the Senator from Nevada's legislation does not 
include language on disclosure, I am also today introducing my own 
legislation which will require that information regarding Members' 
pensions be made available to the public. When the issue of 
congressional pension reform reaches the floor, the Senator from 
Michigan will offer this disclosure bill as an amendment if similar 
language is not already contained therein.
  Mr. President, only when the American people are provided with 
accurate information can they make informed decisions regarding what 
level of pension compensation for Members of Congress and their staffs 
is appropriate.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor.
  

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