Holding Washington Accountable: Combatting Corruption and Self-Enrichment

George Washington once remarked, “Few men have virtue to withstand the highest bidder.” Nearly 250 years later, his observation about human nature still holds true. Scandals are frequent, with stories of bribes hidden in gold bars or cash, donor money spent unwisely, and politicians using insider information to trade stocks and enrich themselves while using taxpayer dollars. Corruption is persistent, but when investment funds based on congressional stock trades consistently outperform the S&P 500, action is needed.

Washington needs accountability. Self-dealing has become far too normal, while Americans struggle with the cost of groceries, gas, housing, and healthcare. Career politicians in Washington grow richer at the public’s expense, ignoring issues that impact everyday lives. These politicians have, as Washington put it, sold the people’s interests to the highest bidder. They have engaged with special interest groups and manipulated federal funding for personal gains.

I ran for Congress determined to break the gridlock in Washington, D.C., and achieve substantial outcomes for California families. When Congress tackled major tax reform, I was the sole Californian negotiating with Speaker Mike Johnson and President Donald Trump to increase the State and Local Tax (SALT) Deduction by 300%, helping families retain more income. I have focused on lowering healthcare costs, reducing middle-class taxes, safeguarding seniors, and supporting small businesses across Southern California. Currently, I am working to hold Washington accountable to continue delivering results for Americans.

I endorse legislation such as the Stop Insider Trading Act, which the House of Representatives passed in July, and the Restore Trust in Congress Act to prevent Congress members from trading individual stocks. I have also cosponsored measures like the Congressional Pension Accountability Act and the End Government Pensions for Sexual Abusers Act, aiming to revoke taxpayer-funded pensions from those who violate public trust. Additionally, I favor term limits, as long-standing politicians should not remain in D.C., benefiting themselves year after year while neglecting their constituents.

While advancing the Stop Insider Trading Act out of the House was encouraging, it is only a beginning. Recently, I introduced the Stop Congressional Self-Enrichment Resolution. Its goal is to bar Congress members from directing federal dollars to projects that enhance their own wealth. Currently, members must certify no direct financial conflicts for Community Project Funding (CPF) requests. However, indirect financial interests can also lead to personal gain. For example, a member could seek an earmark for a nonprofit where their spouse is on the board, or fund a park near their own property, increasing its value. My resolution aims to prevent any financial gain from taxpayer-funded projects.

This resolution and similar efforts are about more than closing loopholes. Corruption and self-enrichment in Congress contradict the vision of the Founding Fathers. The Constitution, a blueprint for representative leadership, is tarnished when politicians exploit their power for personal benefit. They betray the public’s trust and mute the voices they represent. We must strive for better standards. I will continue to combat corruption and ensure Congress serves to lower costs and prioritize the public’s interest.

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