Senators Push to End Pension Benefits for Federal Employees Convicted of Sex Crimes

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sens. Joni Ernst of Iowa and Kirsten Gillibrand of New York have introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at stripping federal pensions from employees convicted of sex crimes, arguing that taxpayer dollars should not support offenders even after incarceration.

Under current federal law, government employees found guilty of certain sex offenses — including crimes against children — can still receive their pensions while serving prison sentences. The proposed bill, titled the No Taxpayer-Funded Pensions for Sex Criminals Act, would change that by terminating pension eligibility for those convicted of such offenses.

Ernst, a Republican and survivor of sexual assault, said the legislation is about accountability and protecting both taxpayers and workplace environments.

“There should be absolutely no room for the tolerance of egregious sex crimes,” Ernst said. “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.”

Gillibrand, a Democrat, echoed those concerns, calling the current policy unacceptable.

“It’s outrageous that federal employees convicted of sex crimes are eligible to collect their taxpayer-funded pension,” Gillibrand said. “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.”

The proposal reflects a rare bipartisan effort in Congress focused on reforming federal employee benefits tied to criminal conduct. If passed, the measure would add sex crime convictions to the list of offenses that disqualify individuals from receiving federal retirement benefits.

The bill’s next steps in Congress have not yet been announced.