Responsible Government

Congressman Tierney believes that vigorous congressional oversight is essential to the proper functioning of a government that is accountable to the American people. In order to maintain Americans’ trust and faith, Congress must ensure that the government is a responsible steward of taxpayer dollars.

As a member of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Congressman Tierney applies intense scrutiny over domestic and international politics and he seeks to ensure that the intent of legislation is honored and the expenditure of tax dollars is monitored (see section on National Security and Public Safety for more).

Strengthen Election Reform

Congressman Tierney has worked tirelessly to stop the flood of special interest money that is overwhelming the political system.  Supreme Court decisions like Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission and McCutcheon v. Federal Election Commission have opened the floodgates to some of the most expensive elections in the country’s history. Such judicial decisions also are making it even tougher for everyday Americans to have their voice heard without being drowned out by special interest money. Congressman Tierney believes that these Supreme Court decisions are moving the campaign finance system in the wrong direction.

The first bill Congressman Tierney introduced upon being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives was one that created a voluntary public financing system giving candidates an option to forgo private funding without having to undermine their ability to run a competitive campaign. It would have allowed qualified candidates to run for public office without creating an appearance of compromising their independence, since they would not have to ask for money from those with a vested interest in public policy.

Since that time, Congressman Tierney has cosponsored a number of initiatives aimed at overhauling the campaign finance system that would ensure that individuals’ voices are heard. 

Here is a brief list of the bills Congressman Tierney has championed this Congress:

• Government by the People Act (H.R. 20), which establishes a voluntary competitive alternative to big money politics and puts everyday citizens in charge of the electoral process. Specifically, this bill would create a refundable tax credit that seeks to enable all Americans to participate in campaign giving and potentially generate additional small donor contributions to congressional candidates. The bill also establishes a fund to match these small dollar donations.
• DISCLOSE 2013 Act (H.R. 148), which would strengthen and improve disclosure from Super PACs, corporations, and outside sources of campaign funding.
• An amendment to the Constitution of the United States relating to contributions and expenditures with respect to elections (H.J.Res. 20)
• An amendment to the Constitution of the United States to clarify the authority of Congress and the States to regulate corporations, limited liability companies or other corporate entities established by the laws of any State, the United States, or any foreign state (H.J.Res. 21)
• An amendment to the Constitution of the United States to clarify the authority of Congress and the States to regulate the expenditure of funds for political activity by corporations (H.J.Res. 25)

Congressman Tierney will continue his fight against the influence of special interests in this country's elections.