Washington | August 6, 2010 - Congressional ethics rules would be strengthened, improving accountability and transparency within the federal government, under one piece of legislation introduced by Congressman Mike Castle and Pennsylvania Representative Todd Platts. Castle is also urging the passage of the Standup Act, which he says would help young drivers gain the necessary experience behind the wheel as they develop their driving skills. The STANDUP act among other things would require states to implement national graduated drivers licensing standards and place restrictions on the number of passengers in the vehicle as well as the hours a new driver can spend on the road.

PRESS RELEASES:

CASTLE, PLATTS INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO STRENGTHEN CONGRESSIONAL ETHICS RULES
Aims to Improve Accountability and Transparency within Federal Government

Washington, D.C. — In light of recent ethics violations, Delaware Congressman Mike Castle and Rep. Todd Platts (R-PA) introduced the Accountability and Transparency in Ethics Act to create a more open and honest political process by prohibiting the use of campaign funds to compensate spouses and other immediate family members; requiring ethics training for lobbyists each Congress; and extending the amount of time between service for those Members of Congress, senior staff, and executive branch officials who wish to lobby Congress from one year to two years.  Additionally, amid calls to block public access to investigations within the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE), this bill would further strengthen the OCE by providing this independent investigatory body with the power to subpoena when exploring complaints against Members to ensure integrity in Congress.

“Recent and past ethics violations by a handful of elected officials illustrate the critical need to further strengthen Congressional ethics rules in order to bring additional accountability and transparency to the federal government,” said Rep. Castle. “I have consistently supported measures to strengthen the review structure, including a vote in favor of a resolution to establish an independent Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE).  Unfortunately, this entity lacks the necessary subpoena power, which I believe is critical.  Also, there is currently an effort underway to strip this important investigatory body of even more authority.  The Accountability and Transparency in Ethics Act prevents campaign payment to the candidate’s family, empowers the OCE with currently lacking subpoena power, and puts more distance between Members and lobbyists.”

“Public service is a noble profession filled with many good people. The recurring ethical scandals in Washington, however, have severely eroded the trust that the American people have in Congress – and understandably so,” said Rep. Platts.  “This legislation would strengthen reform efforts and bring more accountability to Washington at a time when the American people are demanding their government become more open and transparent.”

Specifically, the Accountability and Transparency in Ethics Act would:

• Prohibit a campaign committee or leadership PAC of a candidate or Federal office holder from making payments to a spouse or immediate family member of the candidate for services provided;
• Require registered lobbyists to complete eight hours of ethics training conducted by the House Committee on Standards each Congress;
• Expand the powers of the Office of Congressional Ethics (OCE) to include the power of subpoena in order to collect all necessary information and conduct comprehensive and accurate investigations into possible ethics violations;
• Express the Sense of Congress that any changes to the OCE should be made to strengthen its powers, not weaken this body;
• Extend the amount of time between service for Members of Congress, senior staff, and executive brand officials who wish to lobby Congress from one year to two.

• “Parents support older licensing and permit ages for beginners and tough restrictions on nighttime driving and passengers.”
• “The crash rate per mile driven among 16-19 year olds is 4 times as high as for older drivers.”
• “The best systems set 16 as the minimum age to get a learner’s permit, and during this period, parents certify at least 30-50 hours of supervised driving.  Intermediate licensure begins at 16 1/2  or older and lasts until at least 18 years old and includes both a night driving restriction starting at 9 or 10 pm and a rule prohibiting teen passengers, or allowing no more than 1 when teenagers drive supervised.”
• “An Institute study and another by the affiliated Highway Loss Data Institute have found that delaying licensure reduces fatal crashed among 15-17 year old drivers and insurance collision claims among 16-year olds with licenses.”