This is a "Dear Colleague" letter sent out on behalf of Rep. Jordan (R-OH) that I saw in the latest Republican Study Committee email:
GET TOUGH ON PUBLIC CORRUPTION
ETHICS REFORMS ARE NOT ENOUGH
TO THWART EGREGIOUS ACTS OF BRIBERY AND FRAUD
COSPONSOR H.R. 2438, THE CLEAN UP GOVERNMENT ACT
Dear Colleague:
Public service commands the highest level of honesty and integrity. Corruption on the part of any public official tarnishes the dedicated public service of all officials and threatens the trust instilled in them by the American people. Perhaps the most notable case of public corruption is that of former Deputy Assistant Air Force Secretary Darleen Druyun. As the Air Force's number-two acquisition officer, Druyun admitted to favoring the Boeing Company in official contract negotiations at the same time she discussed possible future employment with the company. She confessed to agreeing to a highly inflated $20 billion price for 100 tanker planes leased to the government by Boeing, calling it a "parting gift" to the company. Druyun also rewarded Boeing with other excessive contracts while simultaneously seeking employment for herself and her son-in-law.
Druyun pled guilty to one count of conspiracy, which carries a maximum sentence of fifteen years imprisonment. Despite this, Druyun was sentenced to only nine months in a minimum-security prison, seven months of community confinement, 150 hours of community service, and a fine of $5,000.
The Clean Up Government Act:
• Toughens penalties for theft or bribery involving programs receiving federal financial a ssistance. Increases the maximum penalty from 10 years to 20 years.
• Increases penalties for bribery and graft. Increases the maximum penalty for bribery from 15 years to 30 years and the maximum penalty for illegal gratuities from 2 years to 5 years.
• Increases penalties for corruption-related offenses.
• Clarifies the definition of official act. Defines an official act as any decision or action within the range of the official duty of a public official.
If this bill would be equally applied to congresscritters, then you can count me as a full supporter. I have a request in to Rep. Jordan's office for more information...
