The Rumor

For too long we have  been too complacent about the workings of Congress.  Many citizens had no  idea that members of Congress could retire with the same pay after only one  term, that they didn't pay into Social Security, that they specifically  exempted themselves from many of the laws they have passed (such as being  exempt from any fear of prosecution for sexual harassment) while ordinary citizens must live under those laws.  The latest is to exempt themselves from the Healthcare Reform that is being considered...in all of its forms.   Somehow, that doesn't seem logical.  We do not have an elite that is above the law.  I truly don't care if they are Democrat, Republican,  Independent or whatever. The self-serving must stop.

NOT TRUE

Nancy,

I have received this false batch of information from at least ten different people now, including relatives and friends.

The truth is that Members of Congress do pay into the Social Security system.  I see my pay stubs.  We are subject to all the laws of the land.  The only one that is different for us it that anyone can slander or libel a public official, but we cannot sue to defend ourselves without proving a higher standard than an ordinary citizen would.  Intent to defame with knowledge of the truth beforehand is required for a public official to sue a citizen, and as a result many false things have been said about me but I don't have the protection of the law that regular citizens have.

We are not vested in a pension after one term.  It is three in the House and two in the Senate, and the pension is nowhere near our full salary.  And just FYI, I am allowed to deduct only $3000 per year for all living expenses in DC.  That includes rent (try to find even a one-room apartment for less than $1000 per month near the Capitol), food, commuting expenses, etc.  That is why the Capitol Police estimate that approximately 70 members of Congress are sleeping in their offices.  I did that last year for five months, before being offered an apartment over my cousin's garage 19 miles away.

We are all still required to maintain our legal residence in our home state, so for those members who are not multi-millionaires it can be a challenge.

I said many times in public and on C-Cpan that I wanted to vote for a public option that I could put myself and my family in.  The House version included it,  but the Senate and President, in an effort to compromise and get a bipartisan vote, took it out.  The exchanges the bill does create are, however, similar to that enjoyed by members of Congress.  My wife and I now can shop for the best deal from private insurers, using the purchasing power of millions of federal employees.  Similarly, when the new exchanges are up and running, any family or small business will also be able to pool their purchasing power with millions of other people to drive a harder bargain and get lower premiums.

We chose Blue Cross and Blue Shield out of the array of private insurers.  The difference is negotiating power.

Most important to note:  The bill is not a government takeover of healthcare.  If anyone hears of a doctor's office or hospital that has been taken over by the government, please let me know.  This is NOT in the bill.  It is still private delivery of care, private insurance, but a change in regulation to prevent abuses like denial of coverage for a pre-existing condition or dropping coverage when you get sick.

Here's something to put it in perspective:  Two weeks ago, CIGNA reported to the SEC that they had paid their retiring CEO a departure package of $110 million.  Last year they had $18 billion of revenue, and they continue to jack up premiums and drop people from coverage.  If we're going to be angry about something how about these blatant, greedy decisions by corporations that don't have the national interest at heart, and obviously need to be regulated better.

Thanks for passing this on to anyone who wants to know the truth.

Rep. John Hall NY-19

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Here is a part of the Healthcare Reform Act President Obama signed into law:

(D) MEMBERS OF CONGRESS IN THE EXCHANGE.-
(i) REQUIREMENT.-Notwithstanding any other provision of law, after the effective date of this subtitle, the only health plans that the Federal Government may make available to Members of Congress and congressional staff with respect to their service as a Member of Congress or congressional staff shall be health plans that are-
(I) created under this Act (or an amendment made by this Act); or
(II) offered through an Exchange established under this Act (or an amendment made by this Act).
(ii) DEFINITIONS.-In this section:
(I) MEMBER OF CONGRESS.-The term ''Member of Congress'' means any member of the House of Representatives or the Senate.
(II) CONGRESSIONAL STAFF.-The term ''congressional staff'' means all full-time and parttime employees employed by the official office of a Member of Congress, whether in Washington, DC or outside of Washington, DC.