Washington, D.C. --

New legislation in the Senate and U.S. House of Representatives, introduced in recent days, would strip pensions from members of Congress convicted of felonies.

These bills were introduced just one week after a special report on NEWS9 about the controversial payment of these hefty government pensions to imprisoned – or soon to be imprisoned – congressmen.

The Senate has already unanimously approved its version of the legislation, which would prevent any member convicted of bribery, conspiracy, or perjury. The House is considering wider legislation, which would include members convicted of other felony crimes.

In an exclusive interview, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi told WTOV9.com she “strongly supports” a new law to prevent pension payments to convicted legislators. Her spokesman says the bill is a high priority.

NEWS9's Scott MacFarlane recently reported that imprisoned former-Congressman Duke Cunningham of California, who pleaded guilty to bribery and tax evasion charges, is receiving a yearly pension worth approximately $40,000.

MacFarlane also reported that former Ohio Rep. Bob Ney, who has pleaded guilty to conspiracy-related charges, is now earning a $30,000 a year pension. Florida’s Mark Foley, under federal investigation for sending sexually-charged emails to teenage Congressional pages, is about to receive a $33,000 a year pension.

According to an Associated Press report, Sen. John Kerry (D-MA), said during recent Senate debate, "With this vote, we are preventing members of Congress who steal or cheat from receiving a lifelong pension that is paid for by the taxpayers."

Pelosi expressed some concerns about the prospects of the legislation passing in the House. She said some of her fellow members of Congress are concerned that the legislation would end up hurting the loved ones of the convicted Congressmen.

“When something like this happens, the wrongdoing of the member has an impact on the family, and that is one of the arguments against it,” Pelosi said.

-Scott MacFarlane, NEWS9