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| Governor Ron DeSantis |
Gov. Ron DeSantis Introduces EPIC Act to End Congressional Pensions
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Governor Ron DeSantis is continuing his long-standing mission to reform Washington by introducing the End Pensions in Congress (EPIC) Act.
The legislation seeks to abolish pensions for all future Members of Congress and for current lawmakers who are not yet vested in the existing federal retirement plan.
Although now serving as Florida’s governor, DeSantis authored this reform bill during his time in Congress — and the principles behind it remain central to his platform today. DeSantis himself rejected his congressional pension when he took office, arguing that taxpayer-funded lifetime benefits for lawmakers are unjustifiable.
The EPIC Act is backed by reform-minded co-sponsors including Reps. Rod Blum (IA-01), Trey Gowdy (SC-04), Thomas Massie (KY-04), Mick Mulvaney (SC-05), and Reid Ribble (WI-08).
DeSantis: Congress Was Never Meant to Be a Ruling Class
Gov. DeSantis has long criticized what he calls Washington’s entrenched political class.
He argues that the Founding Fathers envisioned public office as temporary service — not a lifelong career with taxpayer-funded perks.
“Pensions for members of Congress represent an inappropriate use of taxpayer money,” DeSantis said. “How can Congress make private-sector employees pony up taxes to fund pensions for members of Congress when few of these taxpayers enjoy such benefits?”
DeSantis says ending congressional pensions is necessary to restore accountability and rebuild public trust.
Support From Conservative Reformers
The bill’s co-sponsors echoed DeSantis’s stance on fairness and fiscal responsibility.
Rep. Thomas Massie noted:
“Congressmen receive special benefits unavailable to most in the private sector. If they want retirement savings, they should use 401(k)-type plans — not taxpayer-funded pensions.”
Rep. Mick Mulvaney added:
“Members of Congress should be treated like ordinary American workers — and very few people today get pensions.”
Rep. Reid Ribble emphasized returning to the Founders’ vision:
“Taxpayers shouldn’t subsidize politicians’ pensions. Cutting them is a responsible step that should have happened long ago.”
Eliminating an Outdated System
Supporters argue that with traditional pensions rapidly disappearing across America, Congress should not be exempt.
The EPIC Act would help align lawmakers with the private sector and save taxpayer dollars at a time of ballooning national debt.
The proposal also reflects Governor DeSantis’s broader push for structural reform, reduced government waste, and the dismantling of Washington privilege.
Though the bill faces political hurdles, it has reignited national conversation about congressional benefits, public accountability, and the need for systemic reform in Washington.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the EPIC Act?
The End Pensions in Congress (EPIC) Act is a bill introduced by Governor Ron DeSantis to eliminate congressional pensions for future Members of Congress and for current Members who are not yet vested.
2. Why did Governor Ron DeSantis introduce this legislation?
Governor DeSantis argues that congressional pensions are an inappropriate use of taxpayer money, especially at a time when pensions are disappearing in the private sector. He believes elected officials should function as public servants, not a privileged ruling class.
3. Does Governor DeSantis himself accept a congressional pension?
No. When he took office, he declined his congressional pension, stating Members should not receive special treatment unavailable to ordinary Americans.
4. Who are the original cosponsors of the EPIC Act?
The bill is originally cosponsored by:
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Rep. Rod Blum
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Rep. Trey Gowdy
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Rep. Thomas Massie
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Rep. Mick Mulvaney
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Rep. Reid Ribble
5. How would the EPIC Act affect current Members of Congress?
Current Members who are not yet vested in the pension system would lose access to it. Only those already vested would remain eligible.
6. What alternative does the bill propose for congressional retirement?
Supporters of the bill suggest that Members of Congress should use 401(k)-style retirement plans, like most private-sector workers.
7. What is the main argument of supporters?
Supporters believe:
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Congress should lead by example in reducing government spending.
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Taxpayers should not subsidize special retirement benefits for politicians.
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The U.S. was built on the idea of citizen legislators, not career politicians with exclusive perks.
8. Does the EPIC Act impact federal employees or only Congress?
The EPIC Act affects only Members of Congress and has no impact on pensions for federal employees.
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