Rep. Rodney Davis, R-Ill., introduced legislation on Wednesday that would prevent members of Congress convicted of a crime from receiving workers’ compensation, which would hit a disgraced lawmaker from his state, former Rep. Jesse Jackson, Jr.
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Davis said those crimes explicitly include the use of campaign funds for personal use, which is what Jackson pleaded guilty to in 2013. He and his wife admitted to taking about $750,000 from his campaign funds and used it to buy expensive gifts for themselves.
The Chicago Sun-Times said Jackson gets about $100,000 a year in workers’ compensation, a benefit that would be stripped away from him if Davis’ bill became law.
Davis didn’t mention Jackson in a statement announcing his bill, but he did tell the Times that anyone, including “Jackson or any member of Congress,” shouldn’t get benefits once they become criminals.
“It’s unfortunate when anyone games the system, but it’s especially disappointing when it’s done by a public official who swore to defend the Constitution and faithfully execute the office he or she holds,” Davis said in a statement from his office.
“I believe all members of Congress should be held to a higher standard and if you’re convicted of a crime related to your job as a member of Congress, you should not be eligible for benefits that are in place to help honest, working Americans,” he added. “This bill protects taxpayers and creates more transparency within Congress.”
