Some myths about members of Congress

Everyone of us has heard tales about Congressmen, how they get paid, and their retirement, but let’s check and see whether what you think you know is true.

1. Members of Congress are not part of the Social Security system.

That is actually false. Up until 1984, neither members of Congress nor other federal employees were part of Social Security. However, since 1984, both new Congressmen and new federal employees are part of the Social Security system and have the same taxes withdrawn from their salary that we have.

2. Members of Congress can retire immediately, after serving only one term, and receive a Congressional pension for life.

That could actually be true, but only if several conditions were met, but they would be the same as ours. They would have to be of a certain age, and would only receive in accord with the number of years they had been in Congress, etc. However, a one term member of the House of Representatives would receive no pension from the retirement plan because they would not have served long enough to be vested in the plan. Meanwhile a member of the Senate serves six years, so s/he could indeed end up drawing a pension from the retirement plan, but it would only be based on the six years of contributions.

In fact, none of the pension of a member of Congress comes from the general budget or other people’s taxes. All their pension is based strictly on what they have contributed plus the employer’s contribution, which like many plans maxes out at 5%. And, by law, the beginning pension of the member of Congress cannot exceed 80% of their highest income while in Congress.

3. Congress has a “gold-plated” health insurance plan that allows them to pay for nothing.

That is actually false. Congress people participate in the same PRIVATE health insurance plans as are available to any Federal employee. There is no separate plan for Congress and no government health insurance. And, the employee part of the premium is withdrawn from their pay, just as with any employee who elects health insurance.

4. Congress voted itself a pay raise while voting against a cost of living adjustment for seniors.

This is actually false. Congress has not had the right to “govern” the pay rates of Social Security since 1972. President Richard Nixon, a Republican, signed the bill separating Congress from Social Security pay. There has been no vote in Congress on Social Security. And, Congress has not voted itself a pay raise. On 11 March 2009, Congress voted not to accept a pay raise for 2010, even if there were to be an increase in inflation. In April of 2010, Congress voted not to accept a raise for 2011, even if there were to be an increase in inflation.

You might wish to ignore many of the e-mails making the rounds as the election approaches. Sadly, they are generally full of lies.