Kirk, Quigley Launch Bipartisan Effort to Crack Down on Corruption

Press Release

Today, U.S. Sen. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) and U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley (D-Chicago) launched a bipartisan, bicameral effort to fight corruption at all levels of government by introducing two bills that target political clout and unethical conduct by public servants.

The Public Officials Accountability Act restores a statute to prevent elected officials from using their offices for personal gain. The State Ethics Law Protection Act will allow states like Illinois to fight pay-to-play practices without federal interference.

"Public corruption has turned the "Land of Honest Abe' into the "Land of Political Corruption," Senator Kirk said. "Illinois taxpayers pay a price for this in the form of a hidden public corruption tax. We need to make sure our laws help federal prosecutors crack down on public corruption and restore integrity to Illinois."

"Everyone in Illinois knows all too well the devastating costs of corruption, and it's time to say "enough'," said Congressman Quigley. "This is a bipartisan effort to use every tool at our disposal to make sure both our elected officials and the business they conduct are honest. We cannot lead without the public's trust and these are two crucial steps toward regaining it."

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