Ethics Reforms Flashcards
1958 Ethics Code
first general ethics code for all federal employees – like the 10 commandments, Was very vague and general (don’t use information in confidence, expose corruption wherever discovered, etc.)
There was no enforcement mechanism; just gave very general standards
1960s Congressional Ethics Code
Notably, includes establishment of bipartisan ethics committee in Senate 1964
New Senate rules in 1960s also detailed allowable uses for campaign contributions; required financial disclosure (but not public)
House also acts on ethics later in 1960s – sets up its own bipartisan ethics committee in 1967, 1968 adopts new code (gifts, honoraria, PUBLIC financial disclosure)
1977 Ethics Code
Limited outside income to 15% of Cong. Salary (tied to pay raise)
Disclosure must be public for House AND Senate
Sets maximum for allowable honoraria
Requires reporting of gifts worth over $250 per year from each source; limits on $100 total from person with direct interest in legislation OR foreign national
1989 Ethics Reform Act
included civil penalties for appointees violating post-service employment regulations, and widening the net to include all employees of the Executive Department who hold a commission from the President.
1978 Ethics in Governemnt Act (EIGA)
Gives legal force to certain aspects of 1977 codes – such as public financial disclosure.
Creates Office of Government Ethics (OGE)
Establishes procedures for the appointment of special prosecutor/independent counsel by 3 judge panel - can only be removed FOR CAUSE, not at President’s whim. This provision expired 1999, but special prosecutors can still be apptd by AG (Mueller). Still can only be fired for serious misconduct.
Public finance disclosure requirements for exec and the judicial branch – Good/bad
One-year revolving door ban - applies only to high level fed. employees, NOT Congress
1978 also saw the passage of a separate act besides EIGA: Inspector General Ac
