Public Citizen Applauds Growing Legislative Momentum as House Administration Advances Corruption Overhaul Legislation
Feb. 26, 2019
Public Citizen Applauds Growing Legislative Momentum as House Administration Advances Corruption Overhaul Legislation
Statements of Public Citizen Experts
Note: The U.S. House Committee on Administration is marking up the For the People Act (H.R. 1) today. H.R.1 is the first bill the House tackled once the new Congress convened, signifying the importance and urgency anti-corruption and pro-democracy reform measures had with voters. Public Citizen today submitted a written statement for the record in support of H.R.1.
“Voters are fed up with money in politics and corruption in Washington, and they want to know that our Congress is serious about doing something about it. Today’s markup of H.R.1 is another bold step in that direction. If signed into law, the bill will stamp out the influence of money in our elections, limit corporate lobbying and expand voting rights.
Supporters of anti-corruption efforts remain committed to getting members of both parties on board to support this groundbreaking legislation and to ensure that the final bill is as strong as possible – inclusive of presidential divestiture and business and personal tax disclosure requirements.”
– Lisa Gilbert, vice president of legislative affairs, Public Citizen
“In November 2018, the American people went to the polls and resoundingly cast their ballots in support of candidates and officeholders committed to cleaning up corruption and holding government accountable. H.R. 1 embodies these principles and constitutes the new Congress’ promise to the nation to ensure that public officials work for the people.
While there is room for improvement in H.R. 1 – such as closing the strategic consulting loophole in the two-year revolving door restriction and providing the Office of Government Ethics with the direct authority to issue administrative remedies for ethics violations – Public Citizen supports the underlying principles contained in the For the People Act and encourages the full committee’s approval.
Proudly, there have been no signs of retreat from these sweeping reforms by its congressional sponsors. Public Citizen applauds the hard work and bold initiative of these sponsors and of the supporting members of the House Administration Committee.”
– Craig Holman, government affairs lobbyist, Public Citizen