In the United States, trust in the federal government has dropped sharply over the decades. In 1964, more than three-quarters of Americans believed the government would do the right thing.
Today, only about 22% still feel that way. Congressman Joe Neguse from Colorado is trying to change that with a bold new plan called “End Corruption Now.”
What Is “End Corruption Now”?
“End Corruption Now” is a package of bills created to fight corruption in Washington, D.C. Neguse, a Democrat and Assistant Minority Leader in the U.S. House, believes corruption has become so common that people hardly notice it anymore. He says politicians often put their own interests first, ignoring what’s best for the country.
Why Is This Important?
Neguse points to many examples of bad behavior in government—insider trading by lawmakers, presidents accepting lavish gifts from foreign governments, and leaders making money off their power.
He says the more the public stays quiet about these things, the worse it gets. This is why he’s calling for strong action to stop corruption now.
What Do the Bills Propose?
The proposed laws would make some major changes. Members of Congress would be permanently banned from becoming lobbyists. They also wouldn’t be allowed to serve on corporate boards or trade stocks, along with their families. This would help stop conflicts of interest where lawmakers benefit personally from their political power.
The bills would also stop convicted CEOs from working in the White House. Plus, new rules would bring back stronger government oversight, especially after former President Donald Trump removed many independent watchdogs from their jobs.
Neguse’s Criticism of Trump
Neguse claims Trump’s actions during his time in office, like taking gifts from foreign nations and promoting business deals while in power, were examples of “pay-to-play” politics. He warns this kind of power grab is unlike anything seen in American history. But he believes it’s not too late to fix it.
More Reforms on the Way
The package includes other important bills. One would clearly define what counts as an “official act” by a public leader, especially for bribery cases. Another one, called the “Musk Act,” says government workers must step away from decisions where they or their former employers have a financial stake.
What’s Next?
When Neguse first introduced these ideas seven years ago, only two other lawmakers supported them. Now, he has backing from 85 members of Congress. However, he says real change will only happen if the public speaks up and demands it. If voters push their leaders, these reforms have a chance to pass.
Trust in government may be at a low point, but leaders like Joe Neguse believe change is still possible. His plan, “End Corruption Now,” is a step toward making government more honest and fair. With public support, these new rules could bring back accountability and restore faith in American democracy.