Rigell and Cicilline Continue to Push for Bipartisan Legislation Requiring Ethics Training

Press Release

U.S. Representatives Scott Rigell (R-VA) and David N. Cicilline (D-RI) reintroduced the Ensuring Trust and Honorability in Congressional Standards (ETHICS) Act, a bipartisan bill designed to help restore the public's confidence in Congress by requiring all Members of the House of Representatives to undergo annual ethics training.

"A top priority of mine is to change the institution of Congress and, importantly, help restore the public's faith and trust in Congress," Rigell said. "Members of Congress must be held accountable to the same ethical training standards required of their staff. This bipartisan, common sense reform will ensure that all Representatives meet that obligation."

"It's important that members of Congress understand and follow the ethics rules governing public service and requiring annual ethics training for Members of Congress will help to restore the public's confidence in our work," said Cicilline.

Currently, members of the Senate and all Senate and House staffers are required to take on-going ethics training. The ETHICS Act, which was first introduced in the 113th Congress, ensures that Members of the House meet that same obligation.

"Everyone on the Hill gets ethics training in the wake of the Jack Abramoff scandals -- except Members of the House. Senators recognize the value of ethics training for themselves; so, too, should congressional Members," said Craig Holman of Public Citizen. "Today's ethics rules can be a little difficult to understand. A brief training course will not only educate Members on how to comply, but it will also alert Members that the rules will be enforced"

The ETHICS Act, H.R.1037, has been referred to the House Committee on Administration for consideration. It would make ethics training and awareness programs mandatory for House Members, Delegates, and the Resident Commissioner of the House of Representatives; and:

* Training will be completed no later than 60 days after starting service, and;
* Training will be completed during each new session of Congress beginning with the 1st session of the 115th Congress.

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