[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 32 (Tuesday, March 14, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E360]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             INTRODUCTION OF THE ETHICS REFORM ACT OF 2006

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                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 14, 2006

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, hailing from the Oregon climate of a 
small state legislature where political openness and integrity is 
highly prized, I have been pained by both the recent revelations in 
Congress of wrongdoing and the inability of the Congressional ethics 
process to operate in an effective manner. The House has long been in 
need of a comprehensive solution to the oversight of Members' ethical 
conduct. Sadly, it has necessitated a series of egregious violations by 
Members to bring this issue to the forefront of public attention. The 
current proposals, however, do not address the core issue behind the 
ethics problem--oversight.
  Today, I am proud to introduce with my colleague and fellow 
Oregonian, Greg Walden, the ``Ethics Reform Act of 2006.'' While it is 
the responsibility of each and every Member of Congress to adhere to 
the spirit of the law, as a practical matter, history shows there needs 
to be additional enforcement and oversight. Unfortunately, history also 
shows that the expectation for Congress to oversee the conduct of its 
Members is unrealistic. The ``Ethics Reform Act of 2006'' would create 
an independent Ethics Commission, appointed by Congress, that would 
objectively oversee and bring charges against Members of Congress who 
violate the rules.
  Congress needs an independent ethics review process, similar to that 
found in many states. We need an independent panel that can make 
independent decisions without worrying about the effect those decisions 
will have on its members' political futures. We need an independent 
panel whose members understand the reality of public service and the 
need to ensure the integrity of that service through adherence to the 
rules. We need an independent panel that can meet the test of public 
scrutiny and restore trust that today is missing.
  This bill would replace the Committee on Standards of Official 
Conduct with an 11-member outside Ethics Commission and a full-time 
professional staff to provide oversight, investigations and 
recommendations for ethical enforcement. Each of the members would be 
former House members--five from each party--who have been out of office 
at least 2 years and an 11th member appointed by the consensus of the 
other 10. These Commission members would bring the experience of public 
service and the understanding of the complexity of our duties.
  Professional staff, headed by an executive director, would serve the 
Ethics Commission. The Speaker of the House and the Minority Leader of 
the House would choose the executive director in a manner similar to 
the appointment of the director of the Congressional Budget Office. The 
executive director would serve for a seven-year term and could be 
reappointed only once.
  In addition to taking over the investigation and review functions of 
the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, the Lobbying Disclosure 
Act would be brought under the Commission's jurisdiction. The new 
ethics panel would maintain all records and ensure compliance with 
reporting requirements and rules.
  Any recommendations of the ethics panel beyond advisory opinions, 
letters of reproval and admonishment would go to the full House. 
Actions that fall short of official discipline would not require action 
of the House.
  In reviewing both lobbyist disclosures and member disclosures, the 
Commission would review for potential joint financial interests between 
the two. Additionally, this bill mandates quarterly posting of lobbyist 
disclosures on the internet for easy public scrutiny.
  Current Members of Congress will no longer be obligated with the task 
of policing their peers--a task which Members do not have the proper 
amount of time or impartiality to perform. It is time for the American 
people's faith in Congress to be restored. The ``Ethics Reform Act of 
2006'' has the power to allow the Congressional oversight process to 
work in the fair, efficient, and transparent manner that many of us 
seek and our constituents demand.

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