Washington, D.C. - Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) joined House and Senate Democrats in unveiling their “Honest Leadership, Open Government” Act, an aggressive reform package to reverse the culture of corruption established by the Republican leadership and restore the public trust.
”The Republican-controlled Congress has become infected with a culture of corruption, and the American people are paying the price,” said Van Hollen. “While Republican leadership rewards a few narrow special interests, the priorities of the American people go unaddressed. That is why we are offering real reforms to clean up Washington.”
Van Hollen helped unveil the “Honest Leadership, Open Government” Act in the historic Great Hall of the Library of Congress, where Members of Congress were joined by an audience of groups working to protect the public trust and force Congress to focus on the priorities of the American people.
The "Honest Leadership, Open Government” Act was based in part on legislation Van Hollen co-sponsored last year. In May 2005, Van Hollen joined others Members of Congress in introducing the “Special Interest Lobbying and Ethics Accountability Act,” legislation that would set a higher ethical standard in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Democrats offer an aggressive reform package to reverse Republican excesses and restore the public trust. The program for change embodies the following provisions:
Close the Revolving Door. Close the revolving door between
the Congress and lobbying firms by doubling (from one year
to two) the cooling-off period during which lawmakers, senior
Congressional staff, and Executive Branch officials are prohibited
from lobbying their former offices. Eliminate floor privileges
for former Members of Congress and officers of the Senate and
House who return to lobby.
Toughen Public Disclosure of Lobbyist Activity. Significantly
expand the information lobbyists must disclose – including
campaign contributions and client fees. Require them to file
disclosure reports electronically and increase the frequency of
those filings. Require lobbyists to certify that they did not violate
the rules and make them subject to criminal penalties for false
certifications.
Ban Lobbyist Gifts and Travel. Prohibit the receipt of
gifts, including gifts of meals, entertainment and travel, from
lobbyists.
Shut Down Pay-to-Play Schemes Like the “K Street Project.”
End efforts like the “K Street Project,” which Republicans created
to tell corporations and lobbying firms whom they should hire in
exchange for political access.
Disclosure of Outside Job Negotiations. Require lawmakers to
disclose when they are negotiating for private sector jobs, and require
Executive Branch officials who are negotiating for private sector jobs
to receive approval from the independent Office of Government
Ethics.
Prohibit “Dead of Night” Special Interest Provisions.
Require that all conference committee meetings be open to the
public and that members of the conference committee have a
public opportunity to vote on all amendments. Make copies of
conference reports available to Members and post them publicly
on the Internet 24 hours before consideration (unless waived
by a supermajority vote).
Zero Tolerance for Contract Cheaters. Restore accountability
and openness in federal contracting by subjecting major
contract actions to public disclosure and aggressive competition;
criminally prosecuting contractors who cheat taxpayers, with
penalties including suspension and debarment; imposing stiff
criminal and civil penalties for wartime fraud on government
contracting; prohibiting contractors with conflicts of interest
from conducting oversight or writing contract requirements they
could bid on; mandating full disclosure of contract overcharges;
creating tough penalties for improper no-bid contracts; and
closing the revolving door between federal contract officials and
private contractors.
Prohibit Cronyism in Key Appointments. End rampant
cronyism by requiring that any individual appointed to a position
involving public safety possess proven credentials and training
or expertise in one or more areas relevant to the position.