Sunshine Week: House Democrats Shine a Light on Open, Transparent Government For The People
Last week, House Democrats passed H.R. 1, the For The People Act.
House Democrats promised that a Democratic Majority would act quickly to restore our democracy and clean up corruption. Last week, Democrats delivered on that promise with H.R.1, the For The People Act, a comprehensive government reform package that seeks to:
- Eliminate dark money in politics,
- Make it easier for Americans to exercise their right to vote,
- End the process of partisan redistricting nationwide, and
- Impose new, higher standards of ethics.
H.Con. Res. 24 – Resolution on the Mueller Report The resolution expresses the sense of Congress that the report of Special Counsel Robert Mueller should be made available to the American people and Congress. According to a CNN poll released last month, nearly 9-in-10 Americans believe the report should be public. In addition, a number of Congressional Republicans agree the report should be public:
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA): “I don’t care what the report says…We paid $25 million, maybe $35 million to do it, and the public ought to know what their $25 or $35 million bought. And except for national security and privacy of individuals, those would be understandably redacted, everything else, I think, ought to be out.” [Washington Examiner, 2/5/19]
Senator Susan Collins (R-ME): “I think after this long investigation has gone on that the American people deserve to know what the findings are of Mr. Mueller…I believe the report should be released.” [Politico, 2/5/19]
Senator John Kennedy (R-LA): “‘…I think Mr. Mueller ought to write his report knowing that it's going to be released to the American people and then everybody can make up their own mind.’” [Washington Examiner, 1/16/19]
Representative Mike Turner (R-OH): “The report has to be public…The public has got to have confidence that this investigation was unimpeded, went to its conclusion.” [Politico, 2/5/19]
H.R. 1404 – Vladimir Putin Transparency Act This bill shines a light on Russian corruption by requiring the US Intelligence Community to issue a report to Congress on President Putin’s ill-gotten wealth, including bank accounts and investments.
H.R. 1617 – The “Keeping Russian Entrapments Minimal and Limiting Intelligence Networks Act” KREMLIN Act The bill directs the Director of National Intelligence to submit an intelligence assessment of the intentions of the political leadership of the Russian Federation, allowing the Congress to gain a greater understanding of how Putin weaponizes dark money and corruption, along with other malign activities, to undermine the United States and our allies.
H.R. 1582 – Electronic Message Preservation Act The bill requires preservation of certain electronic records by Federal agencies, and ensures such records are retrievable through electronic searches, making the records of decisions and policies from federal agencies more accessible to the public.
H.R. 1608 – Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments of 2019 The bill amends the Federal Advisory Committee Act to increase transparency of Federal advisory committees, and keep the American people informed of how advisory committees work with federal agencies.
H.R. 1654 – Federal Register Modernization Act The bill amends title 44, United States Code, to modernize the Federal Register, and ensure more Americans can access legislation and reports posted to the Federal Register.
H.Res. 206 – Resolution calling for sunlight and transparency in financial transactions and corporate formation The resolution acknowledges that the lack of sunlight and transparency in financial transactions and corporate formation poses a threat to our national security and our economy’s security and supports efforts to close related loopholes.
In addition to these bills, Committees are holding hearings this week on government transparency and accountability:
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