Accountability in Politics: A Call for Reform

George Washington famously observed, “Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.” Despite nearly 250 years passing since this remark, human tendencies remain unchanged. Reports frequently highlight corruption: bribes, misuse of funds, and insider trading among politicians. This issue is underscored when investment funds mimicking Congressional stock trades consistently outperform the S&P 500.

The need for accountability in Washington is pressing. As Americans face mounting costs for basics like groceries and healthcare, politicians seem to gain wealth at the public’s expense. For years, these politicians have ignored vital issues affecting daily life. As Washington noted, there is a tendency to prioritize personal gain over the public good, often seen in dealings with special interests and federal allocations aligned with personal financial interests.

I entered Congress to challenge this gridlock and seek tangible results for California’s families. During significant tax reform debates, I worked closely with Speaker Mike Johnson and President Trump to significantly increase the State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction, aiming to help families retain more income. My efforts extend to reducing healthcare costs, supporting small businesses, and advocating for seniors, particularly in Southern California. My commitment includes pushing for accountability in Washington.

My legislative support includes the Stop Insider Trading Act, which the House passed in July, and the Restore Trust in Congress Act, aiming to ban individual stock trading by Congress members. Additionally, the Congressional Pension Accountability Act and the End Government Pensions for Sexual Abusers Act, which I cosponsored, aim to revoke taxpayer-funded pensions for politicians breaching public trust. I advocate for term limits, ensuring politicians cannot remain perpetually in Washington while forgetting their constituents.

Politicians have numerous ways to exploit the system, comparable to the number of special interest groups. Progress with the Stop Insider Trading Act is a start, but more measures are needed. I proposed the Stop Congressional Self-Enrichment Resolution to prevent Congress members from channeling federal funds into projects that bolster their wealth. Despite current requirements that members certify no direct financial conflicts in Community Project Funding requests, indirect interests often present substantial conflicts.

For instance, a member might back a project benefiting a nonprofit tied to their spouse or enhance property they own, thus indirectly benefiting financially.

This resolution seeks a higher ethical standard, emphasizing that members should not gain financially, either directly or indirectly, from taxpayer-funded projects. These initiatives are about rectifying systemic issues, addressing Congressional self-enrichment and corruption, which contravene foundational values. Our Constitution calls for leadership that genuinely represents America’s diverse voices. Exploiting positions for self-benefit betrays public trust and suppresses these voices. We must strive for integrity in governance.

I remain committed to identifying and addressing corruption, working towards making healthcare affordable, and ensuring Congress prioritizes the public’s interests.

Congresswoman Young Kim represents California’s 40th District and chairs the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific. She also serves on the House Financial Services Committee and the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party.

The opinions in this article reflect the author’s perspective.