H.R.159 - Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Public Service Act; CLEAN Public Service Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 159, also known as the CLEAN Public Service Act, aims to terminate pension benefits for Members of Congress. The bill amends Title 5 of the United States Code, effectively ending further retirement coverage for members under both the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees Retirement System. This change would take effect 90 days after the bill's enactment.
The bill ensures that prior rights and benefits accrued before the enactment date remain unaffected. It also preserves the eligibility of Members to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan.
The proposed legislation includes specific exclusions, such as the Vice President, from the definition of 'Member' for the purposes of this act.
Expected Effects
If enacted, H.R. 159 would eliminate future pension benefits for Members of Congress, potentially leading to long-term cost savings for the government. It may also influence the composition of Congress by attracting individuals less motivated by long-term financial security through government pensions.
The change could affect the attractiveness of serving in Congress as a career, potentially encouraging shorter terms of service. This might lead to a more citizen-legislature model, where individuals serve for a limited time and then return to their previous professions.
The bill's impact on fiscal responsibility and public perception of government service could be significant, depending on how it influences the behavior and motivations of those seeking or holding congressional office.
Potential Benefits
- Potential Cost Savings: Terminating pensions could lead to significant long-term savings for taxpayers.
- Reduced Perception of Self-Enrichment: Eliminating pensions may reduce public perception that members of Congress are primarily motivated by personal financial gain.
- Attracting Citizen Legislators: The change could encourage individuals with diverse professional backgrounds to serve in Congress for shorter periods.
- Increased Accountability: Without the incentive of a long-term pension, members may be more focused on serving their constituents during their term.
- Alignment with Private Sector: Moving away from defined-benefit pensions aligns congressional benefits more closely with those in the private sector.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Difficulty Attracting Qualified Candidates: Eliminating pensions might deter qualified individuals who rely on long-term financial security.
- Increased Reliance on Other Forms of Compensation: Members might seek higher salaries or other benefits to compensate for the lack of a pension.
- Risk of Short-Term Focus: Without the long-term incentive of a pension, members may prioritize short-term gains over long-term policy goals.
- Loss of Institutional Knowledge: Shorter terms of service could lead to a loss of valuable experience and expertise in Congress.
- Unintended Consequences: The change could have unforeseen effects on the composition and effectiveness of Congress.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill appears to be constitutionally sound, as Article I, Section 6, specifies that Senators and Representatives shall receive a compensation for their services, to be ascertained by law, and paid out of the Treasury of the United States. This bill does not eliminate compensation, but rather modifies the structure of benefits.
Furthermore, the bill does not violate any specific constitutional protections related to individual rights or state powers. The power to determine the compensation and benefits of members of Congress falls within the legislative powers granted by the Constitution.
However, potential legal challenges could arise if the changes are deemed discriminatory or violate contractual obligations related to previously accrued benefits, although the bill explicitly protects prior rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).