Calls Grow to Strip Swalwell's Congressional Pension After Resignation

Lawmakers push to deny pension benefits to former congressman accused of sexual assault

Apr. 18, 2026 at 9:52pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and brushstrokes in shades of red, blue, and grey, conceptually representing the political turmoil and broken trust surrounding allegations against a former congressman.The fallout from sexual assault allegations against a former congressman has sparked a partisan battle over his Congressional pension.Today in Sacramento

Former Congressman Eric Swalwell has faced mounting calls to resign from Congress and drop out of the 2026 California governor's race following reports of sexual assault allegations. After Swalwell's resignation on Monday, some lawmakers are now pushing to strip him of his Congressional pension, arguing taxpayers should not have to fund benefits for those accused of abusing their position of power.

Why it matters

The debate over Swalwell's pension highlights the ongoing tensions around accountability for elected officials accused of misconduct, as well as the challenges in reforming pension policies to address such situations.

The details

Rep. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo., said she is 'working on a way to cancel his Congressional pension,' calling it 'totally unacceptable' for Swalwell to receive taxpayer-funded benefits. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., introduced the No Pensions for Congressional Predators Act, which would prohibit members of Congress convicted of felony sex crimes from receiving their federal pensions. However, since Swalwell has not been convicted, this bill would not immediately apply to him.

  • On Monday, Swalwell announced his resignation from Congress.
  • On Wednesday, Rep. Boebert called for stripping Swalwell's pension.
  • On Thursday, Sen. Hawley introduced the No Pensions for Congressional Predators Act.

The players

Eric Swalwell

A former Democratic Congressman from California who resigned amid sexual assault allegations.

Lauren Boebert

A Republican Congresswoman from Colorado who is pushing to cancel Swalwell's Congressional pension.

Josh Hawley

A Republican Senator from Missouri who introduced legislation to deny pensions to members of Congress convicted of felony sex crimes.

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What they’re saying

“'Former Congressman Eric Swalwell abused his position in power in Congress to assault and victimize women. Now as things stand, taxpayers will be sending him tens of thousands of dollars for the rest of his life. This is totally unacceptable.'”

— Lauren Boebert, Congresswoman

“'I'm introducing legislation to end this loophole and ensure that lawmakers are never compensated with taxpayer dollars after such a breach of trust. The only thing the government should be paying for is a jail cell for these people.'”

— Josh Hawley, Senator

What’s next

The No Pensions for Congressional Predators Act introduced by Sen. Hawley will now move through the legislative process, with a vote expected in the coming weeks. If passed, it could set the stage for a legal battle over whether the law can be applied retroactively to strip Swalwell's pension.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate over how to hold elected officials accountable for misconduct, and the challenges in reforming pension policies to address such situations. It also underscores the political divisions around these issues, with lawmakers from opposing parties pushing competing proposals.