Warren Rolls Out Anti-Corruption Overhaul Amidst U.S. Scandals

What’s the story?

• Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) has unveiled a broad anti-corruption and government reform bill aimed at reducing corporate influence in politics.

"People don't trust their government to do right because they think government works for the rich, the powerful and the well-connected, and not for the American people," said Warren. "And here's the kicker: They're right."

• Warren's proposal comes amidst the backdrop of several high-profile corruption scandals, including Rep. Christopher Collins (R-NY) being arrested for alleged insider trading, Rep. Duncan Hunter (R-CA) indicted for fraud and campaign finance charges, and accusations that Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross may be illegally holding stock in companies affected by Trump administration directives.

What would the Anti-Corruption and Public Integrity Act do?

“Washington corruption is not a small problem, and it will not be rooted out with small solutions,” Warren said. Some of her large solutions include:

• Imposing a lifetime ban on lobbying by presidents, vice presidents, members of Congress, and federal judges.
• Prohibiting companies from immediately hiring or paying lawmakers recently lobbied by that company.
• Banning American lobbyists from accepting money from foreign governments, foreign individuals, and foreign companies.
• Requiring elected officials and candidates to publicly release information about their taxes and other financial dealings.
• Prohibiting elected and senior agency officials from owning or trading stock while in office.
• Requiring senior government officials and White House staff to divest from privately-owned assets.

The full list of the nearly 50 changes can be found here.

What are critics saying?

• Conservatives dismiss the bill as another example of unworkable “big government,” with libertarian outlet Reason writing that “Warren's bill amounts to a substantial regulatory burden on one's constitutional right to petition the government.”

“As is the case with most regulations, Warren's legislation would not overly burden the power players (who can afford to comply) or shady dealers (who will quickly sniff out the loopholes)," Reason added. "Instead, it's going to be less moneyed groups and individual citizens most likely to accidentally run afoul of the law, or flat-out refrain from expressing their policy preferences to legislators.”

What do you think?

Do you want your lawmakers to support the Anti-Corruption and Public Integrity Act? Hit Take Action and let them know, then share your thoughts below.

—Josh Herman

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