Griffin Refuses Congressional Pension

Press Release

Congressman Tim Griffin (AR-02) today issued the following statement after officially certifying to the Chief Administrative Officer of the U.S. House of Representatives that he "will neither apply for nor accept any pension and/or retirement benefits derived from [his] service as a Member of Congress:"

"It is a privilege and honor to serve the Second District in Congress. The taxpayers already pay too much to fund government; there is no need for them to continue to pay for my life after I return home to Arkansas. I am proud to honor this commitment to the people of the Second Congressional District."

The text of Griffin's letter is as follows:

March 10, 2011

Dan Strodel
Chief Administrative Officer
U.S. House of Representatives
HB-30 The Capitol
Washington DC, 20515

Dear Mr. Strodel:

I write to certify that I will neither apply for nor accept any pension and/or retirement benefits derived from my service as a Member of Congress, and I respectfully request you add this to my permanent file.

Representing the people of Arkansas in Congress is an honor. American taxpayers already pay too much to fund government, and there is no need for them to pay for my retirement when I leave the U.S. Capitol.

I would add that during these times of record deficits and debt, we are duty bound to reassess the sustainability of taxpayer-funded pension programs, and I plan to be a leader on this issue.

Please do not hesitate to contact me at (202) 225-2506 with any questions.

Sincerely,

Tim Griffin
Member of Congress

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