US Federal House Bill HB158

US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/23
• Refer: 1/9/23

Caption

Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Public Service Act or the CLEAN Public Service Act This bill excludes Members of Congress from further retirement coverage under the Civil Service Retirement System or the Federal Employees Retirement System following the enactment of the bill. It also prohibits further government contributions or deductions from a Member's basic pay for deposit in the Treasury to the credit of the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund. This exclusion does not affect a Member's eligibility to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan.

Impact

The enactment of HB 158 would signify a substantial shift in how retirement benefits are handled for legislators. By terminating further coverage under existing retirement systems, it implies that new and current Members of Congress would not receive the same level of pension benefits as their predecessors, potentially altering the appeal of congressional service among prospective candidates. Additionally, while Members would still be able to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan, their overall retirement security could be diminished. This bill aims to reflect a growing public sentiment against perceived excesses in congressional compensation and benefits.

Summary

House Bill 158, known as the 'Citizen Legislature Anti-Corruption Reform of Public Service Act' or the 'CLEAN Public Service Act,' proposes significant changes regarding retirement benefits for Members of Congress. The primary aim of the bill is to terminate further retirement coverage for Members under the Civil Service Retirement System and the Federal Employees Retirement System. This legislative move is framed as part of an anti-corruption reform effort, emphasizing a reduction in government spending on congressional pensions. The bill specifically states that effective 90 days after its enactment, no further government contributions or deductions from Member pay would be made towards these retirement systems.

Contention

Supporters of HB 158 advocate for the bill as a reform that would align the retirement benefits of elected officials with ordinary citizens, fostering a sense of accountability and transparency within the government. However, opponents may raise concerns about whether such a drastic reduction in benefits could deter qualified individuals from seeking public office or could negatively affect the quality of governance. The debate may also involve discussions about the long-term implications for congressional effectiveness and public service motivation, as financial incentives play a significant role in career decisions.