Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) announced he will resign at the end of the month after allegations of improper spending of his Congressional funds, lavish spending on trips, mileage reimbursements and the "Downton Abbey"-style redecoration of his congressional office, which constituted an in-kind contribution. In light of his resignation, the Committee on House Administration said that it is reviewing regulations governing lawmaker spending. Committee Chairwoman Candice Miller (R-MI) said that the committee “will review current House regulations and explore ways to strengthen the regulations governing official expenses, as well as ways to enhance the training and educational opportunities available to assist each office with compliance.”
Congressional Ethics Bills in Congress
There are several bills already pending before Congress to address Congressional ethics:
Ensuring Trust and Honorability in Congressional Standards (ETHICS) Act (HR 1037)
— Bipartisan — Sponsor: Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) Requires the Committee on Ethics of the House of Representatives to conduct ongoing ethics training and awareness programs for Members, officers, and employees of the House. (Read bill text)
Members of Congress Tax Accountability Act (HR 1564)
Sponsor: Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) To require Members of Congress to disclose delinquent tax liability and to require an ethics inquiry into, and the garnishment of the wages of, a Member with Federal tax liability. (Read bill text)
End the Congressional Revolving Door Act (HR 319)
Sponsor: Rep. Bill Posey (R-FL) To provide that a former Member of Congress or former Congressional employee who receives compensation as a lobbyist shall not be eligible for retirement benefits or certain other Federal benefits. (Read bill text)
Requiring Congress to fly coach (HR 1339)
Sponsor: Rep. Gwen Graham (D-FL) To prohibit the use of official funds for airline accommodations for Members of Congress which are not coach-class accommodations or for long-term vehicle leases for Members of Congress. (Read bill text)
Prohibiting lobbying contacts (HR 929)
Sponsor: Rep. David Cicilline (D-RI) To prohibit former Members of Congress from engaging in lobbying contacts. (Read bill text)
S 18
Sponsor: Sen. David Vitter (R-LA) To prohibit authorized committees and leadership PACs from employing the spouse or immediate family members of any candidate or Federal office holder connected to the committee. (Read bill text)
— Please keep in mind that highlighting a bill doesn't imply a POPVOX endorsement in any way. Rather, we're simply trying to offer one more way to stay informed of a complex legislative system. —
