U.S. Senators Joni Ernst and Kirsten Gillibrand announced on May 1 that they have introduced legislation aimed at stopping convicted sex offenders from receiving taxpayer-funded federal pensions.
The senators say their bipartisan effort seeks to address a gap in current law, which allows federal employees convicted of sex crimes, including those against children, to continue collecting their pensions even while incarcerated. They argue the measure is necessary to ensure accountability and protect taxpayer dollars.
“There should be absolutely no room for the tolerance of egregious sex crimes,” said Senator Ernst, who is a survivor of sexual assault. “Allowing proven predators to continue collecting their pensions on the taxpayer’s dime only serves to greenlight unacceptable behavior, and I won’t stand for it. My commonsense, bipartisan bill imposes consequences for sex offenders, prevents abuse in the workplace, and safeguards taxpayer dollars.”
Senator Gillibrand also spoke in support of the bill: “It’s outrageous that federal employees convicted of sex crimes are eligible to collect their taxpayer-funded pension. The bipartisan No Taxpayer-Funded Pensions for Sex Criminals Act ensures that no hard-earned taxpayer dollars are spent supporting criminal sex offenders. I’m proud to support this commonsense bill that will provide much-needed accountability.”
Ernst has a background assisting Iowans with issues involving Social Security, Medicare, veterans benefits, immigration matters, and military affairs according to her official website. She served over 23 years in the Iowa Army National Guard and reached the rank of lieutenant colonel before commanding troops during Operation Iraqi Freedom according to her official website. Raised on a family farm in Montgomery County where her parents emphasized hard work and service according to her official website, Ernst became the first woman from Iowa elected to federal office upon joining Congress according to her official website.
She holds degrees from Iowa State University (bachelor’s) and Columbus State University (master’s in public administration) according to her official website.
