Renzi: Thank God I Never Introduced That Bill!

Rep. Rick Renzi (R-Ariz.), furious about allegations that former Rep. Mark Foley (R-Fla.) may have had sexual trysts with teenage male congressional pages, vowed in October 2006 to introduce legislation allowing Congress to eliminate the federal pensions for any lawmaker convicted of a crime.

"As a father of twelve, I am disgusted by the actions of former Congressman Mark Foley, and believe he ought to be formally punished by the House of Representatives," Renzi said in an Oct. 10, 2006, press release.. "Former Congressman Foley's misconduct has endangered the well-being of children and disgraced the House of Representatives, and it is unthinkable that he would be eligible for a congressional pension at taxpayer expense."

The Renzi release added: "Congressman Renzi's proposal would similarly give the House of Representatives an opportunity to sanction dishonorable members of Congress and prohibit them from receiving a congressional pension and other privileges normally granted to former members of Congress. Under current law, conviction of only a 'high crime' such as treason or espionage is sufficient grounds for a member of Congress to be deprived of his or her pension."

But after House Republicans lost their majority of the House that November, Renzi never actually introduced the legislation, and the Arizona Republican was indicted today on 36 federal corruption charges, including conspiracy, wire fraud, money laundering, extortion and insurance fraud.

The Crypt is wondering whether Renzi is saying to himself right now, "Thank God that I didn't introduce that bill!"