Pensions for Good Boys

With a straight and pious face, the Senate and House extended the civil-service pension system* to all elected Federal officials: namely, the President, the Vice President--and themselves. To be eligible, members will have to ante 5% of their salaries, but Congressmen gave themselves until year's end to ante up--a rare privilege, especially for those not re-elected next November. They also decided on full pensions--as if they had been paying their 5% since their Federal service began.

Virginia's economy-minded Senator Harry F. Byrd pointed out that the bill could mean pensions up to $4,175 a year for life on a few dollars of investment, that Congress seemed to be grabbing quids without a quo. But the idea of pensions for Congressmen is not without some consolation for taxpayers.

Too often Congressmen, their old businesses and professions long forgotten, have to get re-elected to earn a living. Too often, to secure reelection, some of them yield to the demands of pressure groups instead of voting their own convictions. When assured of an income if defeated in election, they might feel freer to vote as their souls dictate, might tell lobbyists and grasping constituents to jump in the lake, might retire gracefully when they grew too old.

*Providing retirement annuities, at a rate based on term of service, for all who serve at least five years. Payments can be claimed at age 62.

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