ROSEN INTRODUCES GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY AMENDMENTS TO “MINIBUS” SPENDING BILL

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Congresswoman Jacky Rosen (NV-03) released the following statement after introducing and co-sponsoring a series of amendments to the Fiscal Year 2019 “minibus” spending bill that tackle government abuse and promote accountability among members of Congress:

“For too long, hard-earned taxpayer money has been allowed to go towards paying pensions for corrupt politicians, franked mail privileges to aid political campaigns, and travel costs for Members of Congress who book first-class flights. This abuse of taxpayer dollars is wrong and tarnishes our constituents’ trust in government. These amendments are an important first step in reining in this unacceptable behavior.”

BACKGROUND: Rosen filed the following amendments to the Fiscal Year 2019 “minibus” spending bill:

• No Pensions for Convicted Members: This Rosen-led amendment, which is based on the bipartisan TRUST Act (H.R. 291) and  No Pensions for Corrupt Politicians Act (H.R. 4314), both co-sponsored by Rosen, prohibits the use of taxpayer funds to pay for pensions for members of Congress convicted of felonies.
• Franked Mail Reform: This Rosen-led amendment, which she first introduced in the House as the No Free Campaigns for Congress Act of 2018, prohibits the use of more than $10,000 per Member annually on franked mail, bars the use of photos in franked mail, and prohibits taxpayer-funded physical mass mailings in election years.
• Barring First Class Flights: This bipartisan amendment prohibits Members of Congress from using taxpayer funds to purchase first class flights. Rosen co-sponsored this amendment, which is being led by Rep. Rod Blum (R-IA). In March 2017, Rosen signed a bipartisan letter to lead appropriators in the House to prohibit Members of Congress from using taxpayer funds to purchase first class flights.

###