It still pays better to retire as a member of Congress than as a federal employee. Lawmakers on average received $26,560 more in FERS pension benefits than federal employee retirees, and under CSRS, the disparity is even greater! The average federal salary in September 2012 was nearly $78,500. Rank-and-file members of Congress currently earn $174,000 annually.
The amount of federal pensions continues to ignite debate on Capitol Hill. Mr. President, it is time to tell Congress to walk their talk and take the next reduction from their own Congressional pensions and stop singling out federal workers.