Boebert Calls for Swalwell, Gonzales to Lose Congressional Pensions

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Rep. Lauren Boebert, a Colorado Republican, is calling for former House members Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales to lose their congressional pensions following their resignations amid separate sexual misconduct allegations. Boebert argues the two should not be allowed to leave Congress with "taxpayer-funded benefits after such shameful acts." While expulsion or discipline can lead to the loss of pension benefits, the current law only blocks benefits tied to periods of service in which a member is convicted of certain felonies. Both Swalwell and Gonzales have met the five-year threshold to qualify for retirement benefits, though they would not be able to collect them for years due to their young ages.

Why it matters

Boebert's push to strip the pensions of Swalwell and Gonzales highlights the ongoing debate over accountability for lawmakers accused of misconduct. While expulsion is rare, there are questions around whether resignation should automatically disqualify members from receiving taxpayer-funded retirement benefits.

The details

Boebert told CNN reporter Manu Raju that ex-Reps. Eric Swalwell, a California Democrat, and Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, shouldn't just be gone from Congress after resigning - they should lose their taxpayer-backed pensions as well. House records show expulsion is exceedingly rare, with only six representatives removed in history. Expulsion or discipline such as censure does not automatically strip pensions, as members qualify for retirement benefits after five years in office, a threshold both Swalwell and Gonzales have met.

• On Monday, Swalwell and Gonzales announced their resignations.
• On Tuesday, Swalwell and Gonzales officially stepped down from Congress.

What they’re saying