Emanuel, Meehan Call Senate Vote “Toothless Reform”

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representatives Rahm Emanuel and Marty Meehan released the following statement in response to a Senate committee vote yesterday that rejected an independent office to oversee the enforcement of congressional ethics and lobbying laws.

            “The Senate’s rejection of an independent Office of Public Integrity is a missed opportunity for real reform.  With the Jack Abramoff and Duke Cunningham scandals showing Congress is unable to police itself – and with the House Ethics Committee having not met one time this year – Congress needs to demonstrate that it is serious about reform. 

            “The opponents of real reform suggest that all we need is greater transparency.  But what’s transparent is their aversion to reforms with real teeth.  An independent Office of Public Integrity is an important step in bringing reform and needed oversight.  When the full Senate considers this legislation, we urge our colleagues to vote for change instead of more smoke and mirrors.”