U.S. Reps. Jim Clyburn (D-S.C.) and Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.) are among the 100-plus members of the U.S. Congress collecting a taxpayer-funded pension on top of their annual $174,000 a year (minus benefits) salary – a process known as “double-dipping.”
According to a new report in National Journal, these pension payouts cost taxpayers $3.6 million a year. Clyburn himself has collected a whopping $1 million in government pension payments since he assumed his seat in the U.S. Congress back in 1993 (at the age of 52).
But it is Gowdy’s case which is particularly “curious” according to the report, because it appears he purchased additional years of retirement while serving as an Upstate, S.C. solicitor – paying a lump sum up front in order to ensure a larger benefit package for himself.
Gowdy – who is only 48 years old – “refused multiple requests” to discuss his double-dipping with National Journal.
Hmmmmm …
In addition to their state pensions, Gowdy and Clyburn will also receive federal pensions when they leave Washington, D.C. In fact members of Congress are vested in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) after only five years of service.
How convenient …
Former U.S. Rep. Ron Paul – the godfather of the libertarian movement in America – refused his congressional pension, referring to its collection as “immoral.” On the other end of the spectrum, U.S. Sen. Diane Fienstein – whose net worth is rumored to be close to $100 million – has drawn more than $800,000 in pension income since she was elected to Congress two decades ago.
We believe legislative service is a core function of government. We also believe those charged with making our laws ought to be compensated and permitted to invest a portion of their income in a retirement plan. But this double-dipping is ridiculous.
No member of Congress should accept exorbitant retirement income at the expense of taxpayers while they are still working. We have no problem with these elected officials drawing these benefits eventually, but they should not accept them while still on the public dole.
What do you think? Vote in our poll and post your thoughts in our comments section below …
87 comments
But, but, but … Gowdy is a Republican! Who panders, er, reaches out to the Tea Party. Surely he wouldn’t sink to something as self-serving as this. He can’t be just as corrupt as Clyburn. Can he?
Hey Gville, I suspect you’ve met Mr. Gowdy, either while he was the Solicitor in Spartanburg or while he worked at Leatherwood or was a federal prosecutor in Greenville before that. What say you about the man? I’ve met him. He’s a slick, douchey asshole. Oh wait, I don’t know about that in the literal sense (I’ll have to let 9″ comment on that). I was speaking figuratively. He’s also about as socially conservative as you can get – First Baptist to the hilt – and wears that on his sleeve. Sanctimonious as all get out. He panders to the religious right and to the Tea Party, whichever way the wind is blowing in District 4 that day. They’re tossing his name around as a challenger to Graham, which is why this article was written I’m sure, but I don’t think the rest of he state is drinking the Gowdy Kool Aid as much as the Upstate is, where he’s straddling the Tea Turds and the Social conservatives pretty masterfully.
what he said………..
See my personal observation on Gowdy below
Warmly,
Sparklecity
I read your post twice.. I missed the facts to compare to your rant. Please state again. Thank You.
I was relating my personal experience with Gowdy, which is extensive. No “facts” needed when relaying one’s personal interactions – you’ll just have to believe that I know him. Oh, but he is a member of First Baptist Church on Main St. in Spartanburg, if you’d like to run off and verify that. And you can certainly verify the employment history I mentioned. So there are some facts for you. Also, as to his pandering to both social conservatives and Tea Party types, just review his published speeches.
Thanks, I don’t really know much Gowdy, with the exception of his interviews on TV and watching some of the congressional committees. I liked the way he frames some of the questions. I appreciate your reply.
I’ve met him several times, and I don’t find him all that slick. But he was a decent prosecutor and he seems to be genuinely interested in doing a good job as opposed to just getting on Sunday morning talk shows or getting invited to Washington cocktail parties (yes Lindsay, I am looking at you).
I have never known Trey to take himself that seriously. I think some on here are letting their biases color their personal opinion. You may not take my word for it, but perhaps an appeal to authority would help. Trey clerked for one of the most liberal (probably the most liberal) federal judge in the state, who is not a big fan of conservatives. He loves Trey. In fact, their relationship worried me when Gowdy announced he was running. How conservative could he be if Judge Anderson liked him that much?
I know Trey well though am not a “friend”. He is the real deal. Dedicated, hard working and smart as hell. You may not like his hair cu, or his conservative politics, but he is exactly what he says he is.
I think he is a good man.
But, but, but … Gowdy is a Republican! Who panders, er, reaches out to the Tea Party. Surely he wouldn’t sink to something as self-serving as this. He can’t be just as corrupt as Clyburn. Can he?
Hey Gville, I suspect you’ve met Mr. Gowdy, either while he was the Solicitor in Spartanburg or while he worked at Leatherwood or was a federal prosecutor in Greenville before that. What say you about the man? I’ve met him. He’s a slick, douchey asshole. Oh wait, I don’t know about that in the literal sense (I’ll have to let 9″ comment on that). I was speaking figuratively. He’s also about as socially conservative as you can get – First Baptist to the hilt – and wears that on his sleeve. Sanctimonious as all get out. He panders to the religious right and to the Tea Party, whichever way the wind is blowing in District 4 that day. They’re tossing his name around as a challenger to Graham, which is why this article was written I’m sure, but I don’t think the rest of the state is drinking the Gowdy Kool Aid as much as the Upstate is, where he’s straddling the Tea Turds and the Social conservatives pretty masterfully.
what he said………..
See my personal observation on Gowdy below
Warmly,
Sparklecity
I read your post twice.. I missed the facts to compare to your rant. Please state again. Thank You.
I was relating my personal experience with Gowdy, which is extensive. No “facts” needed when relaying one’s personal interactions – you’ll just have to believe that I know him. Oh, but he is a member of First Baptist Church on Main St. in Spartanburg, if you’d like to run off and verify that. And you can certainly verify the employment history I mentioned. So there are some facts for you. Also, as to his pandering to both social conservatives and Tea Party types, just review his published speeches.
Thanks, I don’t really know much Gowdy, with the exception of his interviews on TV and watching some of the congressional committees. I liked the way he frames some of the questions. I appreciate your reply.
I’ve met him several times, and I don’t find him all that slick. But he was a decent prosecutor and he seems to be genuinely interested in doing a good job as opposed to just getting on Sunday morning talk shows or getting invited to Washington cocktail parties (yes Lindsay, I am looking at you).
I have never known Trey to take himself that seriously. I think some on here are letting their biases color their personal opinion. You obviously do not have to take my word for it, but perhaps an appeal to authority would help give a little fuller picture. Trey clerked for one of the most liberal (probably the most liberal) federal judges in the state. This is a judge who is not a big fan of conservatives. He loves Trey. In fact, their relationship worried me when Gowdy announced he was running. How conservative could he be if Judge Anderson liked him that much?
I know Trey well though am not a “friend”. He is the real deal. Dedicated, hard working and smart as hell. You may not like his hair cu, or his conservative politics, but he is exactly what he says he is.
I think he is a good man.
For the zibillionth time, Sic Willie “discusses” a system of which he either knows nothing about or knows but try to obfuscate the truth. The federal system (FERS) is 3 parted. There is a basic benefit, social security and a thrift savings plan (TSP). The first two parts (basic benefit and social security have required contributions, so it ain’t “free”. TSP operates just like a 401k.
For the zibillionth time, Sic Willie “discusses” a system of which he either knows nothing about or knows but try to obfuscate the truth. The federal system (FERS) is 3 parted. There is a basic benefit, social security and a thrift savings plan (TSP). The first two parts (basic benefit and social security have required contributions, so it ain’t “free”. TSP operates just like a 401k.
Gowdy is drawing a state pension for state service and his salary is paid from the feds. How is this double dipping? He is doing nothing illegal or unethical. He did his time with the state to get his pension and apparently bought time to get a better payout–perfectly legal and many folks do it. What would be bad is if the taxpayers paid for his lump sum retirement purchase ala Chief Scott and the City of Columbia. Gowdy did his time and earned his state pension so why not take it. Clyburn, on the other hand, shouldnt get dick.
Gowdy is drawing a state pension for state service and his salary is paid from the feds. How is this double dipping? He is doing nothing illegal or unethical. He did his time with the state to get his pension and apparently bought time to get a better payout–perfectly legal and many folks do it. What would be bad is if the taxpayers paid for his lump sum retirement purchase ala Chief Scott and the City of Columbia. Gowdy did his time and earned his state pension so why not take it. Clyburn, on the other hand, shouldnt get dick.
How F*#*in g OBVIOUS can FITS and the Liberals be???
Gowdy Reamed out your IRS (5th Amendment) Ho, last month, so now comes the Liberal NAZI Witch-Hunt against him…
You even throw Clyburn, a REAL Criminal-level politician in there, but everybody knows, nobody (his voters) cares he cheats, to make it look bipartisian…
FITS, you’re Spiralling downward w/ Obama. The Democrat Party has bought you…or either you’re just a F*#kin Stupid Liberal…who thinks no one can see who, and what, you are…
The last thing we need is another democrat website…
5th Amendment???? – WTF???
That woman literally told Gowdy to kiss her ass and gave him him the finger when she walked out leaving Gowdy to have a “hissy-fit” that “Lindsey” couldn’t throw on his best day!!!!!
That woman has a set of balls that Gowdy wishes he had!!!
So you support Leftwingers using the IRS to prosecute political enemies…???
Because as soon as yall start admitting you’re Anti-Constitution, and blatantly lawless…we can begin to use deadly force to apprehend you…
Which is why I think your little IRS Ho decided to Cower and clam up…If she said anything, it would show what Criminals you, she and Obama are…and then the BIG HAND would SMASH her…
T- The IRS punishes anyone and everyone. I guess you’re bitter because as it turns out the IRS was also hammering “progressive” causes also.
And Bill Clinton told your Momma he was wearing protection 9 months before your ignorant @$$ was born too..You ignorant Gulliable Idiot…
Your momma fell for it also. I can see the resemblance: She also had a sexy beard.
Dang…You people are some Dull, non-thinking Some Beeches…
As old as I am, and as wet as my “Slick Willie” gets, I can’t believe it hasn’t shown any signs of rust.
Damn, didn’t know Bill Clinton was getting on with my mom when he was 2 years old. That explains a lot. T don’t you wish you some of Bill Clinton’s DNA in you, it would make a less sour on the world.
No,
I just thought it was funny as hell that she was not intiimidated by that fake Gowdy and literally told him and his precious committee to kiss her ass and he threw a hissy fit that would have made Lindsey jealous – that’s all!!!
Not a fucking thing has come of it since she told them to kiss her ass
She showed Gowdy for what he is which is a little pale faced gel-haired shill who can’t do squat unless he has jack-booted facist law enforcement types backing his puny ass up.
Without his “BIG-HANDED” Facist law enforcement types backing him, Gowdy ain’t shit. He is impotent without them having his back
BBRRAAAAK!! Fake cuss words! BBRRAAAAKK! Liberal Nazi! BBRRAAAAKKK!! Democrat Party! BBRRAAAKKKK! (Insert Perjorative)Liberal! BBRRAAAKKKK!
Big T is a walking, talking drinking game. I may try the Big T drinking game during the USC/UNC game. Problem is, I’d be hammered halfway into the first quarter
As far as pasty-faced/hair geled Gowdy goes——I’m not surprised one damn bit.
I’ve posted numerous times on this site that Gowdy is for Gowdy first and foremost.
I witnessed it personally back when McCain was running for prez in 2008. I was invited to an early McCain primary support group in Spartanburg back in 2008. Gowdy showed up and was acknowledged as the next best thing to “sliced bread”. All that concieted twerp did was diddle with his Blackberry the whole time and showed absolutely no interest in the meeting. Stayed around 15 minutes and promptly left. He was inconsiderent as hell.
I don’t have much use for him.
It is pittiful how so many in this state don’t have a clue who they vote for. As long as it is a Republican and not some pinko-fag/tree hugging/gun hating Democrat (or God forbid an Independent – of which I am) these dumbshits will vote Republican every time.
Lord, I wish we could clone Harry Truman or a young Scoop Jackson,Bob Dole, Sam Nunn or the other men/women of the “Greatest Generation” who served in the war and really know what life and sacrifice is about and not gridlock every fucking thing from a County Council meeting all the way to the U.S. Congress & Senate.
It’s become a fucking disgrace.
I second your thoughts on Gowdy, Sparkle. Gowdy is interested in Gowdy. The end.
It seems as if the whole country would rather diddle with their Blackberries than support McCain. You cant blame the guy for not being excited by that old fart. It actually makes me like Gowdy even more.
Perhaps you missed the larger point of SparkleCity’s comment. It wasn’t just that Gowdy wasn’t interested in McCain (which is certainly admirable) – it’s that he was only interested in himself (and continues to be, I believe). Just another self-interested, self-serving politician who panders and pretends to care about “the people” while only caring about himself and his ambitions. Nothing new to see here.
Nothing in the original comment showed that Gowdy was only interested in himself. At best it showed he was bored. I havent read any claim in these comments yet that substantially proves that Gowdy is self absorbed(any more than any other politician or person in a powerful role); only folks saying he is. A guy left my party early and didnt socialize as i see fit, therefore he is a self absorbed ass—flawless logic…
Reading Comprehension, I trust you include ” Mr. Clemson Football Player” Jeff Duncan in your comment/reply. Duncan and Gowdy are clones, and the reason that South Carolina is in so much trouble.
Is there anyone else in there we can talk to?
As far as pasty-faced/hair geled Gowdy goes——I’m not surprised one damn bit.
I’ve posted numerous times on this site that Gowdy is for Gowdy first and foremost.
I witnessed it personally back when McCain was running for prez in 2008. I was invited to an early McCain primary support group in Spartanburg back in 2008. Gowdy showed up and was acknowledged as the next best thing to “sliced bread”. All that concieted twerp did was diddle with his Blackberry the whole time and showed absolutely no interest in the meeting. Stayed around 15 minutes and promptly left. He was inconsiderent as hell.
I don’t have much use for him.
It is pittiful how so many in this state don’t have a clue who they vote for. As long as it is a Republican and not some pinko-fag/tree hugging/gun hating Democrat (or God forbid an Independent – of which I am) these dumbshits will vote Republican every time.
Lord, I wish we could clone Harry Truman or a young Scoop Jackson,Bob Dole, Sam Nunn or the other men/women of the “Greatest Generation” who served in the war and really know what life and sacrifice is about and not gridlock every fucking thing from a County Council meeting all the way to the U.S. Congress & Senate.
It’s become a fucking disgrace.
I second your thoughts on Gowdy, Sparkle. Gowdy is interested in Gowdy. The end.
It seems as if the whole country would rather diddle with their Blackberries than support McCain. You cant blame the guy for not being excited by that old fart. It actually makes me like Gowdy even more.
Perhaps you missed the larger point of SparkleCity’s comment. It wasn’t just that Gowdy wasn’t interested in McCain (which is certainly admirable) – it’s that he was only interested in himself (and continues to be, I believe). Just another self-interested, self-serving politician who panders and pretends to care about “the people” while only caring about himself and his ambitions. Nothing new to see here.
Nothing in the original comment showed that Gowdy was only interested in himself. At best it showed he was bored. I havent read any claim in these comments yet that substantially proves that Gowdy is self absorbed(any more than any other politician or person in a powerful role); only folks saying he is. A guy left my party early and didnt socialize as i see fit, therefore he is a self absorbed ass—flawless logic…
Reading Comprehension, I trust you include ” Mr. Clemson Football Player” Jeff Duncan in your comment/reply. Duncan and Gowdy are clones, and the reason that South Carolina is in so much trouble.
Is there anyone else in there we can talk to?
The main reason to read FITS:
See who the leftwing fears, and wants to eliminate, Chicago Style….(See Jack Ryan, Billiary Clinton, Herman Cain)…..
If Obama and the left cannot beat you…they’ll try to eradicate you…
Good luck(not really): but I think people are finally realizing they got Screwed by Obama, FITS and the real media. No way to blame Bush. The Misery is as as bad, if not worse than, it was since Obama first got in…
Some internet posters think he is full of himself? A politician? Please tell me more.
Some of you folks need to get a grip.
Some internet posters think he is full of himself? A politician? Please tell me more.
Some of you folks need to get a grip.
Like anyone else here wouldn’t do the same thing…he’s taking advantage of what is allowed in the system, that’s all. I quote Mr. Hogwallup, “They got this here depression goin’ on, I got to do for me an’ mine.”
Like anyone else here wouldn’t do the same thing…he’s taking advantage of what is allowed in the system, that’s all. I quote Mr. Hogwallup, “They got this here depression goin’ on, I got to do for me an’ mine.”
He takes his pension from the State, since he doesn’t work for the State anymore…and this is a problem, why? In no way is this double-dipping. He gets paid by the Feds now, not the State. It’s like saying that my father, who worked for a company for 35 years before leaving and collects his pension from that job, is double-dipping because he is also working for a different company now. Gowdy’s new job has nothing to do with his old job.
How about our current State Senators, that still work for the State, taking their State pension while still in office? THAT’s double-dipping.
This is nothing but a lame hit-piece.
I should have read Rowdy’s post before typing this…
He takes his pension from the State, since he doesn’t work for the State anymore…and this is a problem, why? In no way is this double-dipping. He gets paid by the Feds now, not the State. It’s like saying that my father, who worked for a company for 35 years before leaving and collects his pension from that job, is double-dipping because he is also working for a different company now. Gowdy’s new job has nothing to do with his old job.
How about our current State Senators, that still work for the State, taking their State pension while still in office? THAT’s double-dipping.
This is nothing but a lame hit-piece.
I should have read Rowdy’s post before typing this…
I miss Bob Ingles.
Like missing a tooth ache?
So do I!!!
Inglis had integrity in spades!!!
I miss Bob Ingles.
Like missing a tooth ache?
So do I!!!
Inglis had integrity in spades!!!
Can you post A DONATION link For Gowdy.
The way he Kicked that Obama IRS Ho’s @$$…I think Gowdy should get double whatever we already give him..Whatever he makes, ain’t enough…
That said: I’d be ALL FOR Taking every penny Clyburn has stole from the Country he HATES, and give it to Gowdy a TRUE Patriot…
Are you wearing clown shoes?
Better question: Are you, and FITS, choking on Clyburn’s shaft???
Even better question: How big is that “donation” you’re gonna give Gowdy?
Gowdy has pretty much always sucked off the government tit. But it’s ok …it’s Legal!
Well so are Food Stamps,500(?) weeks of unemployment, WIC, SSI, Disability, and all sorts of Govt. handouts.
The benefits with Welfare aren’t nearly as good except for maybe Vacation and Sick days.
Gowdy has pretty much always sucked off the government tit. But it’s ok …it’s Legal!
Well so are Food Stamps,500(?) weeks of unemployment, WIC, SSI, Disability, and all sorts of Govt. handouts.
The benefits with Welfare aren’t nearly as good except for maybe Vacation and Sick days.
If I see Clyburn out in public, jail time or not I will spit on him. He is a spawn of satan!
If I see Clyburn out in public, jail time or not I will spit on him. He is a spawn of satan!
Let ’em double dip. Hell, let ’em triple dip
No matter how much money they squirrel away it ain’t going to keep them from burning in Hell, forever
Let ’em double dip. Hell, let ’em triple dip
No matter how much money they squirrel away it ain’t going to keep them from burning in Hell, forever
Fuck no they don’t need a pension. In fact, they don’t need that pay either. They should be paid the median (NOT average/mean) household income of the US and given an average health insurance plan, that’s it.
You know these fuckers already get preferential treatment by credit agencies and are afforded cheap loans, and I’m sure the list goes on. Fuck that noise. You represent the average joe? Time to start living like him.
I don’t mean to be contrary, because you are a genuine and righteous dude. But we tried that. What we got were people who spent their time doing nothing but selling out. What we have now is supposed to work (and I agree it doesn’t always seem to) because we give them a salary many multiples the average state salary. It was enough for Jimmy Mann and Albert Watson, but they had morals and ethics. Today, when people like Trey who have morals and ethics and are smart with their money like Jimmy and Albert (and yes, even Fritz and John West and Mendel Rivers). They ALL had money because they SAVED their dough and bought land. Now, SOME were questioned about HOW they bought that land, granted, but you expect that being in public office. I used to laugh at all of the rumors about me when I was on TV as an anchor. It goes with the territory.
The difference today is the lack of ethics. And, yes, I share your frustration.
Fuck no they don’t need a pension. In fact, they don’t need that pay either. They should be paid the median (NOT average/mean) household income of the US and given an average health insurance plan, that’s it.
You know these fuckers already get preferential treatment by credit agencies and are afforded cheap loans, and I’m sure the list goes on. Fuck that noise. You represent the average joe? Time to start living like him.
I don’t mean to be contrary, because you are a genuine and righteous dude. But we tried that. What we got were people who spent their time doing nothing but selling out. What we have now is supposed to work (and I agree it doesn’t always seem to) because we give them a salary many multiples the average state salary. It was enough for Jimmy Mann and Albert Watson, but they had morals and ethics. Today, when people like Trey who have morals and ethics and are smart with their money like Jimmy and Albert (and yes, even Fritz and John West and Mendel Rivers). They ALL had money because they SAVED their dough and bought land. Now, SOME were questioned about HOW they bought that land, granted, but you expect that being in public office. I used to laugh at all of the rumors about me when I was on TV as an anchor. It goes with the territory.
The difference today is the lack of ethics. And, yes, I share your frustration.
Gowdy bought into his pension system. He paid his own money into the system in order to get more out, something every worker with a pension plan or every state employee is allowed to do.
Gowdy bought into his pension system. He paid his own money into the system in order to get more out, something every worker with a pension plan or every state employee is allowed to do.
AND NOW, A METAPHORICAL REPRESENTATION ON SOME OF THE COMMENTS ON THIS BLOG..
What makes you think she’s a witch?
Well, she turned me into a newt!
A newt?
… I got better.
Crowd: Burn her anyway!
……………………………..from Monty Python and the Holy Grail – 1975
Typical politicians looking out for their consti—errrrrr themselves. Why anyone would vote for Diane “frank”einstein or nancy bela-pelosi is beyond my thought capability.
Typical politicians looking out for their consti—errrrrr themselves. Why anyone would vote for Diane “frank”einstein or nancy bela-pelosi is beyond my thought capability.