WASHINGTON, DC – This week, Congresswoman Nita Lowey (D-Westchester/Rockland) joined the effort to restore integrity to the Republican-led Congress by co-sponsoring the Honest Leadership, Open Government Act, an aggressive reform package to protect the public trust.

“Over the past several years, the American public has witnessed shameful abuses of power by some Members of Congress.  These actions have made Congress less responsive to the needs of the public and more beholden to special interest groups,” said Lowey.  “I believe we must take steps now to restore the integrity of the legislative branch of government so that our constituents know we are all working to make this nation a better place.”

The Honest Leadership and Open Government Act will focus sweeping government reforms on four key areas:

• Banning travel and gifts from lobbyists and those who employ them, and requiring lobbyists to disclose campaign contributions;
• Reducing the unprecedented political access given to corporations and lobbying firms and prohibiting Members from giving legislative favors to lobbying firms in exchange for hiring Members and staff of their same party;
• Ending special interest deals in the “dead of night” and requiring disclosure of earmarks, so that the public can see exactly what elected officials are doing in Washington; and
• Halting the revolving door between government and lobbyists by extending the lobbying ban to two years.

“We can and should pass fundamental reform in Washington,” said Lowey.  “This bill will make the legislative process more transparent and diminish the influence of lobbyists.  I’m proud to support the effort to end corruption and return Congress’ focus to the people’s business.”