'Bout time! Let's get this show on the road and let Representative Jefferson defend himself in open court. And here's nice, big test for the House Democratic Leadership.
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Speaking of tests, Representative Boyda is working hard to represent her district - and court people like me. More on that tomorrow, for that matter. Today she released this in conjunction with the indictment of Representative Jefferson. I will note that Ms. Boyda and I discussed the issue of Jefferson and how the Democratic Caucus handled things like this vice the Republican Caucus. I know she'd already been thinking about these things before we chatted about it - and I do *not* take any credit for influencing her opinion here in any meaningful way - except that it was one more constituent who an interest in the subject, with a perception that this was an area where there were distinctions to be made between the Democrats and Republicans. The onus is now on Ms. Pelosi to show us what the most ethical congress ever is going to look like.
All within the bounds of the rule of law, and presumption of innocence, as a given.
AS JEFFERSON IS INDICTED, BOYDA CALLS FOR QUICK ACTION ON PENSION FORFEITURE ACTBOYDA BILL WILL END PENSION ELIGIBILITY FOR REPRESENTATIVES CONVICTED OF MANY FEDERAL CRIMES
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman William Jefferson (D-LA), 63, was indicted today in federal court on charges of racketeering, soliciting bribes, and money-laundering. According to the indictment, Jefferson accepted a $100,000 bribe from a telecommunications businessman, $90,000 of which was later discovered in Jefferson's home freezer.
"Mr. Jefferson is accused of very serious crimes," said Congresswoman Nancy Boyda (Kansas Second District). "If he is convicted on every count, he could serve 200 years in prison - yet he would remain eligible to draw a taxpayer-funded pension. That just isn't right."
To prevent politicians who are convicted of federal crimes from enjoying the benefit of a taxpayer-funded pension, Boyda introduced the Pensions Forfeiture Act into Congress in mid-January. Her bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously on January 23, and similar legislation recently passed the Senate. The two bills are currently undergoing reconciliation in a House-Senate conference committee.
As Jefferson's indictment was handed down today, Boyda called on the House-Senate committee and on the President to quickly turn her legislation into law.
"William Jefferson isn't the only Congressman accused of federal crimes who stands to benefit from a federal pension," Boyda said. "Congress and the President should act decisively to prevent crooked politicians from receiving one more dime from the American taxpayers."
Word. Duke Cunningham, among others, should be stripped of his pension, too. This isn't a partisan issue.
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