Gov't officials get a lot of heat. Am I correct in my understanding that most US Congressmen are near retirement age or older? If so then these stats may mean that they have simply led long and full lives.

There is a statistic that says more than half of all businesses go bankrupt in the first 2 years of operation. Congressmen are usually fairly wealthy, invested in multiple businesses both large & small, probably take risks occasionally and even lose sometimes. The following four "statistics" are probably the consequences of failed business startups, and more than one may apply to the same person:

*117 have directly or indirectly bankrupted at least 2 businesses
*71 cannot get a credit card due to bad credit
*19 have been accused of writing bad checks
*21 are currently defendants in lawsuits

You listed criminal offenses. How many of those arrested were convicted?

*7 have been arrested for fraud
*14 have been arrested on drug-related charges
*8 have been arrested for shoplifting
*3 have done time for assault
*29 have been accused of spousal abuse
*84 have been arrested for drunk driving in the last year.

The first four statistics were for non-violent crimes. The penalties may have only been fines, or probation. Only 3 have gone to jail, and considering the average age of congressmen, that may have been 45 years ago. The paper trail may still exist, but the person is probably older & wiser. It is hard to judge just based on a statistic.

Violent crimes are really bad, and I really hate the abusive behavior because it can cause other people to act out even worse and screw up their lives too. I personally think that the statistic for drunk driving is indicative of a greater problem than most of the rest of what was listed.