Press Release

Earlier today, Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. announced he made good on the oath he made to the people of Sacramento County to decline his Congressional pension until Medicare and Social Security are secure for all Americans. He sent a check to the United States Treasury Bureau of the Public Debt for $4,914.53, the pension amount he accrued during 2013.

“We must honor the promises we’ve made to our parents and grandparents so they can get the support and health care they need and have a secure and dignified retirement after a lifetime of work,” said Bera. “My constituents should not be forced to pay for my retirement when many of their own retirements are still vulnerable. That’s why I have pledged to not take a congressional pension until Medicare and Social Security are secure for this and future generations.”

As a doctor, Bera has cared for thousands of patients who rely on Medicare. He knows first-hand that we can reduce runaway health care costs without making dramatic cuts to Medicare that will hurt our seniors. In Congress, he has fought against cuts to Medicare and Social Security benefits worked to eliminate fraud, and helped lead the debate on protecting and strengthening Medicare.

Congressman Ami Bera, M.D. represents Sacramento County. Born and raised in California, Bera is a physician and the only Indian American currently serving in Congress. He’s fighting to rebuild an economy that works for middle class families and to reduce our country’s debt in a responsible way. One of Bera’s first acts in Congress was to help lead the effort to pass the No Budget No Pay Act, which says if members of Congress don’t pass a budget, they don’t get paid. As a leader of the No Labels' Problem Solvers, he’s working with people from both parties to find bipartisan solutions to our nation’s challenges. He and his wife Janine live in Elk Grove with their daughter Sydra. For more updates on Rep. Bera follow @RepBera on Twitter, like Congressman Bera on Facebook, or visit https://www.bera.house.gov.