Anti-Corruption Task Force Focuses on Combatting Corruption in Congress

Washington, D.C. - Today, Rep. Joe Morelle (NY-25), the Chair of the Anti-Corruption and Democracy Reform Task Force, along with Co-Chairs Reps. Kevin Mullin (CA-15), Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), and Nikema Williams (GA-05), held their first official meeting focused on critically examining Congress and ways to reform the Legislative Branch.

Today's meeting featured expertise from the following panelists:

• Virginia Canter, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Chief Counsel and Director, Democracy Defenders Action

• Daniel Schuman, Executive Director, American Governance Institute

• Brian Lemek, Executive Director and Founder, Defend the Vote Action Fund

During the meeting, the Members and panelists discussed how to hold Congress more accountable to the public and what challenges lie ahead in order to implement Legislative Branch reforms that meet the demands of the American people.

"Today's meeting is the first in a series of discussions this Task Force plans to have, examining each of the three branches of government and our electoral system-taking a close look at the root causes of corruption and examining ideas for how we create a stronger, more unified democracy that works for every American. We need real change, and we are determined to find the best path forward.," said Chair Joe Morelle.

"The American people deserve confidence in their democracy, but we're living through one of the most corrupt administrations in history and public trust is at an all-time low. It's more important than ever to weed out corruption across every branch of government, and it was inspiring to hear from the nonpartisan experts at today's meeting on how we can ensure real accountability, transparency, and more thorough disclosure. Serving as an elected official and representing voters is a great privilege, and we cannot allow any bad actors to exploit it for personal gain," said Co-Chair Kevin Mullin.

"If we want to repair and expand our democracy, the work must start in the legislative branch. The laws currently on the books do not prevent millions in dark money from being spent to buy elections and silence our communities; individual members of Congress from buying and selling stocks to get rich while they legislate the matters they profit from, or shadow lobbying that defies transparency and rejects disclosure of conflicts of interest," said Co-Chair Delia C. Ramirez. "Congress must act NOW to demonstrate that we are serious about ending corruption and corporate influence in the People's House. That is why today's conversation about the work ahead to restore trust, resist the influence of big money, and imagine a future for our country that reflects our commitment to the people and our democratic institutions is so important."

"At a time when families are struggling to make ends meet, lawmakers should not be padding their own pockets. When public service becomes a pathway to personal profit, it chips away at the very foundation of our democracy. We cannot ask people to believe in a system that looks rigged against them," said Co-Chair Nikema Williams.

The Task Force will continue to gather experts, call out corruption and threats to democracy, evaluate areas for improvement, and propose legislative solutions. The next Task Force meeting will focus on reforms for the Executive Branch.

Launched earlier this month, the Task Force is focused on examining the root causes of corruption to create a stronger, more unified democracy that works for every American.

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