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Restoring Trust in Public Servants Act
12/15/2023, 3:55 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1463
One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a code of ethics for members of Congress, which outlines guidelines for ethical behavior and prohibits certain actions that could create conflicts of interest. This code of ethics would require members to disclose financial interests and recuse themselves from voting on legislation that could benefit them personally.
Additionally, the bill includes measures to increase transparency in lobbying activities. It requires lobbyists to disclose their activities and expenditures, as well as any contributions made to members of Congress. This information would be made publicly available to increase accountability and reduce the influence of special interests on legislative decisions. The Restoring Trust in Public Servants Act also includes provisions to strengthen enforcement mechanisms for ethics violations. It establishes an independent ethics office to investigate complaints and enforce the code of ethics, ensuring that public officials are held accountable for their actions. Overall, the bill aims to restore trust in public servants by promoting ethical behavior, increasing transparency, and reducing conflicts of interest within the US Congress. It represents a bipartisan effort to address concerns about ethics and accountability in government and to uphold the integrity of the legislative process.
Congressional Summary of HR 1463
Restoring Trust in Public Servants Act
This bill prohibits a public official or the spouse or dependent of a public official from owning or trading a covered investment. Any official who violates the prohibition is subject to a civil fine equal to the official's salary for each month that the official is in violation.
The bill also prohibits Members of Congress from receiving any outside income or having any outside employment while in office.
Further, the bill revises post-employment lobbying restrictions on former Members of Congress. Specifically, it makes permanent the post-employment lobbying ban on a former Member of the Senate (currently, two years) or a former Member of the House of Representatives (currently, one year).
