Debbie Dingell

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Rep. Nicole Malliotakis introduced bipartisan legislation that would revoke federal retirement benefits from current or former members of Congress convicted of serious sexual crimes.

Malliotakis, a Republican who represents Staten Island and South Brooklyn, joined Rep. Debbie Dingell, a Michigan Democrat, in introducing The End Government Pension for Sexual Abusers Act in response to recent resignations of multiple members following serious allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse.

The legislation would deny federal retirement benefits to members convicted of sex trafficking, sexual assault, rape, sexual abuse or exploitation of minors, sexual abuse resulting in death, and transfer or production of obscene material to minors.

The bill also applies to current or former members convicted of similar crimes in foreign countries. Under the legislation, any pension benefits stripped from convicted offenders would be awarded to victims.

“Members of Congress are elected to serve the public and must be held to the highest standard,” Malliotakis said. “Anyone convicted of sexual abuse, exploitation, or trafficking should not be rewarded with a taxpayer-funded pension. I join Rep. Debbie Dingell in this bipartisan effort to ensure those benefits are stripped from convicted offenders and make sure they go to the victims who deserve justice.”

Dingell emphasized the accountability measure reflects standards expected elsewhere in society.

“Public service is a privilege, and anyone convicted of these horrific crimes should not receive taxpayer-funded pensions,” Dingell said. “Congress must hold itself to the same standards of accountability we expect everywhere else. Congresswoman Malliotakis and I will keep working to ensure survivors get the justice they deserve.”