# Plain Language Summary of the EPIC Act

The EPIC Act (End Pensions In Congress Act) would eliminate the special retirement pension system that members of Congress currently receive. Right now, members of Congress participate in federal retirement programs that provide them with pensions after they leave office—similar to what other federal employees get. This bill would stop that benefit going forward, meaning Congress members would no longer accumulate new pension credits after the law takes effect.

Here's what would actually change: Current members of Congress would stop earning additional pension benefits immediately, and the government would stop making retirement contributions on their behalf. However, any pension benefits they've already earned before this law passes would remain untouched—they wouldn't lose what they've already accumulated. The bill does allow current members a 90-day window to opt back into the old system if they want to keep earning pension benefits. New members of Congress elected after this law passes would never be enrolled in the pension system at all.

One important thing the bill preserves is Congress members' ability to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan, which is essentially a 401(k)-style retirement savings account where they can contribute their own money. This is different from a pension—it's money they put in themselves rather than a guaranteed benefit from the government. The bill also excludes the Vice President from these changes, so the VP would keep their current retirement benefits.

In practical terms, this would mean Congress members would rely more on personal retirement savings rather than government pensions, similar to how most private-sector workers handle retirement today.

EPIC Act

Massie, Thomas

End Pensions in Congress Act or the EPIC Act This bill excludes future Members of Congress from the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and requires Members currently enrolled in FERS or the Civil Service Retirement System to opt in to continue their enrollment.