Myths and Facts

E-mail and the Internet have proven to be remarkable tools for disseminating information. Unfortunately, they have proven to be equally effective at spreading misinformation. The old adage of "Don't believe everything you read" is still true in the digital age.

I have seen examples of a number of myths that keep recycling in e-mails and wanted to share the facts with you. I will cite sources and would encourage you to do your own research. I cannot keep people from spreading these myths but want to provide my constituents the truth.

Click on the graphic for each Myth/Fact to go to a page that provides more detail as well as links for sources.

Myth - Members of Congress do not pay into Social Security, which is why Congress is not interested in "fixing" Social Security.

Fact - All Members of Congress pay into Social Security. -- More detail ->

Myth - Members of Congress can retire with full pension after one term and do not contribute to their pensions, which are completely paid for by taxpayers.

Fact - Congressmen are not eligible to receive a pension after only one, 2-year term. A Member’s retirement plan depends on a variety of factors, including when they were elected to Congress, but all Members pay into their own retirement plans. -- More detail ->

Myth - Members of Congress have a special health insurance plan for which they pay no premiums or out of pocket expenses. Because of this plan, Members are exempt from the health care reform law.

Fact - Members of Congress participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP). As the name implies, this program is for all Federal employees, not just Members of Congress. As part of this program, Members of Congress, like other federal employees, can select from a group of available policies, from providers such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield and for which they pay monthly premiums.

Nothing in the Affordable Care Act exempts Members of Congress from its provisions. In fact, the law specifically states that the only health care plans that can be provided to members are those created by this act or through exchanges provided by this act. -- More detail ->

Myth - Members of Congress, their families and staff do not have to repay their student loans.

Fact - There is no exemption from repaying student loans for Members of Congress or their families or their staff. The requirement to repay student loans applies to them as it does to every other person who incurs education debt. Congressional staff may qualify for a limited student loan repayment program available to all federal government employees, but they are still required to repay their loans. -- More detail ->