Evening star., 1947-01-10
LIS Apply for Pension
For Service in House;
Senate LIST Withheld

JeHdIc LlN WIIIlIIEIu
Forty-three members Of the House
whose service ended with the con-
vening Of the Eightieth Congress
have qualified for pensions under
the Congressional Reorganization
Act, according to House Sergeant
ut Arms William F. Russell.
He added, however, that more
than half that number will not go
on the pension rolls Immediately
because they have not reached the
minimum age Of 81 years required
for obtaining benefits provided In
the Act. But nearly all are nearing
the retirement age and can look for
ward to pensions within the next
few years at the latest.
The sergeant at arms also said
that 1873 incumbent members Of the
House have applied for pensions and
most of the others are expected to
take advantage of the opportuni-
ties offered in the reorganization
measure. They may file within six
months from the date of taking their
oath of Office. January 8, was the
deadline for filing by retiring mem
bers. -,
Senate Names Withheld.
Although the House official made
available the names of present men,
bers who have filed pension appn-
cations, similar information as to
the Senate was refused by Senate
Financial Clerk Oco Thompson on
the ground it is confidential"
Listed among retired House mem
bers who have applied for pensions
were Representative May, Demo-
crat, Of Kentucky, who was defeated
for reelection; Representative Sum-
mers, Democrat, of Texas, and Car
roll Reece, of Tennessee, chairman
Of the Republican National Com
mittee, who retired voluntarily;
Louis Rabaut, Democrat, Of Michi-
gan; Jed johnson, Democrat, Of
Oklahoma: Cochran, Democrat, Of
Missouri, and Tarver, Democrat, of
Georgia.
Those continuing in the House
who have applied for pensions in
clude virtually all those with long
service records who have passed,
or are nearing, the minimum age
requirement. However, no one is
eligible for a pension while still In
Congress.
Six Years of Service Needed.
To be eligible for a pension
former member of Congress must
be at least e2 and have at least six
years of congressional service. He
must have been in Congress when
the Reorganization Act was ap-
proved last August 2 and must have
filed for its benefits before the expi-
ration of his term Of Office.
The member has choice in de-
Gliding the amount he pays into the
pension fund, but it affects the an
nuity he receives.
He can pay fiat sum Of $2,716,
representing percentage of his
salary during his last five years OF
service, or he can pay percentages
OF his earnings for his entire period
of service back to August 1, 1920,
and become eligible for larger pen
sion.
The percentages set in the law are
f2h for earnings from August /,
1920, to June 80, 1926; 31s from July
i, 1926, to June 80, 1912; S per cent
from July /, 1912, to the date the
Reorganization Act was approved,
and 6 per cent on earnings there
after until his retirement date. No
charge is levied for service prior to
August /, 1920.
Specific Examples.
II the former member elects to
pay the fiat $2,716 into the fund,
his pension is determined by age
and length of service. If he prefers
to pay in larger sum, his annuity
is determined only by length of
service.
Thus, Mr.. Summers, II, who en-
tered the House March 4, 1918, could
pay the fat $2,716 and be eligible
for $6,182 a year. Or he could pay
$14,789 and qualify for $500 year.
Mr.. May, II, a member from
March 4, 1881, would be entitled to
$3,376 annually if he paid in $2,716,
or to $3,958 year on a payment
Of $8,463. ,
Mr.. Reece won't be 81 until De-
cember az, 1851, when he will be
entitled to $2,725 annually If he pays
in s2,716, or to $4,000 year if he
wants to pay $6,147. He entered
Congress March 4, 1885.
Mr.. Tarver and Mr.. johnson en-
tered Congress the same date, March
4. 1927, and each will be entitled,
after reaching the age of 50 years,
to $4,272 annually on payment of
$2,716, or to $4,958 year upon con-
tributing $11,285 to the fund. Mr..
Tarver will be 81 next September Is
and Mr. johnson on July 81, 1850.
Refunds Are Available.
Members of Congress who contri-
butte to the retirement fund but do
not complete the minimum six years
service may obtain refunds of all
they have paid in, plus 4 per cent
interest compounded semi annually.
The same is true of members who
wish refunds of their contributions
before they become eligible for pen
gions.
While former members whose
service ended before enactment of
the reorganizati tion bill do not quail
ify for pensions under that measure,
the Civil Service Commission said
they are entitled to credit for time
spent In Congress if they are eligible
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