DeLay can get pension as soon as he retires

Maybe things aren't so bad for everyone's favorite soon-to-be-former congressman after all: Tom DeLay will be able to start drawing nearly $67,000 a year in pension as soon as he retires. DeLay will get a total of about $1.3 million in pension payments over the next 20 years and will be eligible for the federal retirees' health plan, all of which won't be affected by any convictions he may face.

Members of Congress are eligible for a pension when they turn 62 if they've been in Congress for at least five years. If they've been in Congress for 20 years or more, they can begin drawing a pension at age 50; if they've served for 25 years, they can draw it at any time. DeLay, who will turn 59 on Saturday, has served in Congress for 22 years. His pension is based on his years of service and the average of the three highest years of salary (he was paid $180,100 as House majority leader).

DeLay said he'll leave Congress around June of this year.