Rep. Norman Introduces Bipartisan Bill To Curb Congressional Perks

Press Release

Yesterday, Rep. Ralph Norman (R-SC-5), along with Rep. Ro Khanna (D-CA-17), introduced legislation in the House of Representatives that would terminate certain lifetime benefits that are currently provided to former members of Congress.

The "Stop Congressional Retirees Accessing Perks" (SCRAP) Act will reform the following:

First, the SCRAP Act will prohibit federal funds from being used for death gratuity payments to the survivors of a Member of Congress who dies in office, except as authorized on a case-by-case basis by House leadership.

Second, this bill will prohibit a former member from receiving benefits in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHB). This is currently a lifetime perk afforded to anyone who serves in Congress, even for a single term. With this legislation, however, once a Member leaves office, his/her participation in FEHB will end, just as it does for all other federal employees.

And third, this bill will terminate certain lifetime access currently provided to former members, including access to the Hall of the House of Representatives, House athletic facilities, the Members' Dining Room, designated parking spaces, and other House facilities and resources.

This legislation is particularly relevant and timely, as so far this year, at least ten (10) members in the House of Representatives have announced they will not seek re-election.

After filing this bill on Wednesday, Rep. Norman issued the following statement: "Corruption in Washington is a bipartisan problem. For too long, politicians have received special privileges, inaccessible to the American people, because of their positions of power. It's no surprise they have safeguarded them for so long. The SCRAP Act is a bipartisan bill and part of a larger effort to restore integrity in Congress and weed out individuals here for the wrong reasons."

Rep. Khanna added, "Former members of Congress should have to play by the same rules as every American. It's past time we end the special privileges and luxuries for former members at the expense of taxpayers by passing the SCRAP Act. Let's work to restore accountability in Congress."

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