[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 2 (Thursday, January 7, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E37]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONGRESSIONAL AND EXECUTIVE BENEFITS MUST BE CONTROLLED

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HOWARD COBLE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 6, 1999

  Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, when I first came to Congress in 1985, I took 
to the well of the House to protest members' perks. In particular, I 
cited the congressional pension plan and the federal employees Thrift 
Savings Plan as ``overly generous at best, outrageously extravagant at 
worst.'' Although I've been waging this battle for fourteen years, no 
action has been taken to date to reduce either benefit.
  So, once again, I am introducing a package of bills designed to 
relieve beleagured taxpayers from footing the bill for certain 
congressional and executive branch benefits.
  The first bill eliminates the congressional pension for members who 
are not yet vested. I do not believe extravagant retirement benefits 
are necessary to entice qualified Americans to run for Congress. They 
are costly and excessive.
  The second bill revises former presidents' benefits. I am proposing 
to end Secret Service protection for future former presidents after one 
year; their spouses and minor children will no longer be entitled to 
Secret Service protection after Inauguration Day. We estimate this will 
save $15 million per year once it is implemented.
  The bill also changes the law prospectively to prevent presidents 
from double- or triple-dipping from the federal government. 
Specifically, it requires a former president to waive the right to each 
other annuity or pension to which he (or she) is entitled under any 
other Act of Congress (that is, any other federal pension which he 
earned), in order to receive the presidential pension. The value of the 
presidential pension is equal to the annual rate of basic pay for 
cabinet-level officials. As of January 1, 1999, that figure is 
$151,800.
  Finally, the bill will deny a presidential pension until a former 
president reaches the prevailing retirement age under Social Security.
  Here is an example of the costs the taxpayers face following 
President Clinton's service. President Clinton will be in his mid-
fifties at the end of his second term. Since his presidential pension 
kicks in immediately upon his leaving office on Inauguration Day, he 
could draw over two-and-one-quarter million dollars in pension benefits 
before he reaches retirement age.
  Please don't misunderstand me. I hope that all current, former and 
future presidents lead long and fruitful lives upon leaving office. 
However, the vast majority of Americans struggle to make ends meet, and 
often are unable to save for their own retirement. Nevertheless, they 
are forced to contribute to the retirement packages of former 
presidents and members of Congress.
  Over the years, my constituents have shared with me their outrage 
over the lavishness and cost of these benefits. I believe elected 
officials need to make real sacrifices if we hope to gain the support 
of the American people for shared sacrifice to keep our country on the 
path to fiscal prosperity.
  I believe these bills represent bold and dramatic proposals. That is 
why I hope my colleagues will join me in pushing this legislation to 
passage.

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