Ross Spano's "No Pensions For Pedophiles Act" garners more support

Democrats and Republicans don’t have much in common these days, but both groups can agree that pedophilia has no place in our society, and individuals who commit heinous crimes against children should feel the full wrath of the criminal justice system.

Florida U.S. Rep. Ross Spano (R) has penned the No Pensions For Pedophiles Act, a bill that according to his office would “qualify federal crimes related to the sexual abuse of children as additional criteria for losing one’s federal pension.”

One would think that any federal employee who is arrested and convicted of sexual crimes against children would not only lose his or her freedom and career but their pension, right?

Wrong.

Ross cites the case of Dr. Stanley Patrick Weber, a doctor at Indian Health Service hospitals in Montana who was convicted of sexually abusing young boys, and will benefit from almost $1.8 million in federal pension while he serves his 18-year prison sentence.

 “There is simply no rationale for using taxpayer dollars to pay those who have inflicted so much pain and trauma on children,” said Spano “I am proud that so many of my colleagues recognize this unjust practice and are working with me to correct it.”

Spano has also announced that there are 22 sponsors to his bill, including fellow Floridians Reps. Bill Posey (R) and Matt Gaetz (R).

House Minority Whip Steve Scalise (R-LA) has also come out in support of the bill, saying that people like Dr. Weber are “among the most corrupt and harmful members of our society.”

 “People convicted of crimes involving the sexual abuse of children are among the most corrupt and harmful members of our society,” said Scalise “They should not be able to keep their jobs as federal employees and do not deserve federal pensions. We have a moral duty to protect our children. I am proud to cosponsor Rep. Spano’s important legislation, and add my voice to his strong message: the United States government will not fund the retirement of pedophiles.”

Spano's bill has 22 cosponsors, all Republicans.