In 2006, then-House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi decried mounting scandals in Congress and promised a new emphasis on ethics in Congress by “draining the swamp.”  Things haven’t improved.  Members of Congress of both parties have had to resign in disgrace in the years since.  The American people should expect more from their elected representatives.

The Problem:

• Washington politicians believe they are above the law.  As a result, some (including, allegedly, Congressman Polis) have even used inside information obtained from the legislative or regulatory process for their own personal financial gain.
• Career politicians experience a value shift, becoming part of the problem rather than part of the solution. Congressman Polis is entering his tenth year in elective office – more than half his adult life.

The Solution:

• Legislation currently working through Congress that would prohibit insider trading by members of Congress is an excellent start.
  
  
• Making members of Congress abide by the same rules as the rest of America is important.  But we cannot legislate strong morals and good intentions.  We need to work together to elect people to Congress who are committed to high standards and do not act like they are above the law.
  
  
• I believe we should eliminate automatic pay raises for Congress and eliminate the special congressional pension system.