Corruption

In 2012, five companies alone spent nearly $150,000,000 in lobbying (Center for Responsive Politics). Corruption is a worldwide problem, but the listed amount was lobbied only to United States Congressmen. This money could have been used to fix roads, make more parks, to pay for school supplies, basically improve the community. Instead, over $100,000,000 was given for congressmen to pocket. The congressmen had no right to deny the US citizens a better community. There is no sure way to stop corruption, however laws have been proposed to mitigate it. Congressmen make decisions that greatly impact US citizens, so of course they must have power. To take away congressmen power will defeat the purpose of congress. The Clean Up Government Act of 2011 was proposed, but was basically, for lack of a better word, killed in 2012. This act would increase corruption punishment and illegalize some congress activity, such as letting congressmen take it into their own hands. Over the last twenty years, lobbying has greatly increased (The Sunlight Foundation). There are many solutions that could help prevent corruption. The Ant-American Corruption Act could be passed. There are also movements going on, such as the Stop Corruption First campaign sponsored by MoveOn.org Political Action. However, there is no full proof plan.

Corruption causes the community to lose money to the corrupt members of congress.

Both power and money is something very important to some people. Some might go as far as to obtain these things in illegal ways. For example, Duke Cunningham, a former US representative, has admitted to receiving over two million dollars in bribery. Two million dollars is a lot of money, enough to build a couple of small bridges. Instead, the mon...

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...the United States. The New York Times published an editorial stating that the Clean Up Government Act of 2011 previously mentioned would greatly benefit congress. This act would increase jail time for corrupt acts, make more activity officially illegal, etc. However, it was placed on the union calendar. What this means is that it was set aside until someone brings it up. Decreasing congress’ influence is the best option, as it has a direct effect. Elementary students are taught that congress makes laws. However, there are some representatives of congress that buy a company, or influence an election. Congress should never be able to do this, as it only makes laws. The US has granted subsidies, or financial support, to various farms, but the ones that benefit are Chuck Grasslet, Gordon Smith, and Ken Salazar, all members of congress (How Money Corrupts Congress).