[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 48 (Tuesday, April 22, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S3464]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CONGRESSIONAL PENSION DISCLOSURE ACT

 Mr. BURNS. Mr. President, I come to the floor today in order 
to offer my support for the Congressional Pension Disclosure Act of 
1997.
  This bill will require that detailed information about the pension of 
every Member of Congress be published twice a year. These facts--how 
much has been contributed to a pension plan, how much is to be received 
in retirement, and acquired Federal retirement benefits--should be 
public information.
  Montanans, as well as those in every other State, deserve the right 
to know how public funds are being spent. The disclosure of pension 
contributions and benefits will allow Montanans to judge whether or not 
the amounts are fair and just. Taxpayers will be able to make fully 
informed decisions about the kind of job we representatives are doing 
in abiding the will of the people and keeping Government spending under 
control.
  The Congressional Pension Disclosure Act will make facts readily 
available to anyone who wants them. Perception that Congress operates 
in secrecy would be eliminated and the people of Montana would know 
that their representatives have nothing to hide. Simply said, by 
disclosing the size of our pensions, we in Congress will make a step in 
the right direction toward restoring faith in government by the 
American people.
  I commend Senator Abraham for drafting this meaningful legislation, 
and I am proud to have signed on as a cosponsor of S. 269.

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