Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Randy Hultgren (IL-14) today announced his support for legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL) and U.S. Rep. Robert Dold (IL-10) to expand current law to block Congressional pensions for Members of Congress convicted of committing a felony while serving as elected officials.

"The financial burden placed on taxpayers from political scandals and public corruption is tremendous, something Illinois residents know all too well," said Hultgren. "Currently, more than $800,000 per year is paid out to convicted felons for their Congressional pensions, including  the Congressional pension of former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich.

"This legislation cuts to the heart of the problem by expanding the list of crimes, including tax fraud and racketeering, that can cost Members of Congress their pensions. It also removes the loophole that allows former Members of Congress to keep their pensions if their crimes were committed in another elected office. I applaud my colleagues for introducing this responsible, commonsense legislation to bring the law up-to-date to ensure that taxpayers aren't stuck paying for the retirement of convicted felons."