This has left a bad taste in a lot of Americans’ mouths.
A bombshell report shows that dozens of retiring members of Congress—including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)—are walking away with taxpayer-funded pensions costing Americans over $38 million every year.
For many voters, especially seniors tired of government waste, the numbers are nothing short of infuriating.
Congressional Pensions Costing Taxpayers Millions
Most Americans don’t realize Congress still enjoys one of Washington’s most lucrative perks: lifetime guaranteed pensions backed entirely by taxpayers.
And the cost isn’t going down. In fact, as more long-time politicians retire, the price tag for the public keeps climbing.
Did Greene Time Her Exit? Analysts Say Yes
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s planned departure date—Jan. 5, 2026—happens to fall just two days after reaching the five-year minimum required for pension eligibility.
Taxpayer advocate Demian Brady says the timing is no accident.
“She leaves Congress with just enough time to qualify,” Brady explained. While Greene’s payout is relatively small, it shines a spotlight on the perks lawmakers continue to receive while preaching fiscal discipline.
Greene is estimated to collect $8,717 per year at age 62, totaling more than $265,000 over her lifetime.
Pelosi’s Pension: One of the Biggest in Congressional History
While Greene’s pension is modest, Pelosi’s is anything but.
After nearly 40 years in Congress and multiple terms as House Speaker, Pelosi is set to receive a jaw-dropping $107,860 every year starting in 2027—one of the largest pensions ever granted to any elected official under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
That means taxpayers will be funding Pelosi’s retirement for the rest of her life while millions of seniors struggle with rising costs.
A Retirement System Ordinary Americans Could Never Get
According to the latest data, former members of Congress received over $38 million in pension benefits in 2022 alone.
For comparison:
- Average FERS annuity: $45,276
- Average CSRS annuity: $84,504
Meanwhile, the typical private-sector worker is lucky to get any pension at all—yet Congress gets a pension and a taxpayer-backed 401(k)-style Thrift Savings Plan.
Republicans Demand an End to Washington’s Retirement Perks
Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), a leading critic of congressional pensions, says lawmakers should not be relying on taxpayers for cushy benefits.
He plans to reintroduce legislation to eliminate pensions for House members and allow representatives to opt out entirely.
“To rein in federal spending, Congress must lead by example,” Massie said. “End defined-benefit pensions for Members of Congress.”
DeSantis: Congress Should Not Cash In on the American People
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis—one of the few former lawmakers who refused to accept his pension—renewed his call to end the program.
“I didn’t run for Congress for the perks,” DeSantis said. “End congressional pensions for everyone.”
DeSantis pointed out the obvious: “How many private-sector workers get a pension AND a 401(k)? Almost none. End the taxpayer-funded gravy train.”
Why Reform Never Happens: Career Politicians Protect Their Paychecks
According to Brady, the biggest obstacle to ending congressional pensions is the one nobody in Washington wants to admit.
“The roadblock is career politicians,” he said. “They’ve spent decades in office and don’t want to give up the guaranteed money.”
Greene’s Retirement Shines Light on a Hidden Congressional Perk
While Greene’s timing may not force immediate reform, her departure has put a powerful spotlight on a retirement system that most Americans never knew existed.
And now—with Pelosi’s massive payout looming—taxpayers are demanding change.