Political Quotes

“during the past year I have repeatedly been approached by citizens of my State of Michigan who have expressed their outrage about the current congressional pension system. Initially, their anger was focused upon what they believed to be an exorbitant level of compensation for Members of Congress. Later in the campaign, another issue also rose; namely, the shroud of secrecy which surrounded congressional pensions themselves. Because of my experience, during the campaign I pledged to introduce or cosponsor legislation which would bring congressional pension plans into general line with the rest of the Federal Government and with the private sector. I also committed myself to eliminating the shroud of secrecy which has surrounded the pension system by pushing for full disclosure. Consequently, I am today announcing my cosponsorship of S. 228, the bill introduced by the Senator from Nevada, Senator Bryan, which will bring the pension compensation for Members of Congress in line with that currently available to members of the Federal civil service. However, because the Senator from Nevada's legislation does not include language on disclosure, I am also today introducing my own legislation which will require that information regarding Members' pensions be made available to the public.”