For Immediate Release: May 16, 2007

Sutton Leads Freshman Lawmakers to End Government Corruption

Congresswoman Betty Sutton and other Democratic freshman call for comprehensive ethics reform

Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Betty Sutton held a press conference with other Democratic freshmen to announce their unified support for a nonpartisan, independent entity that will initiate and participate in ethics investigations.

"We have a responsibility to beat back the culture and abuses that have hurt the American people - both in policy and in spirit. We must remain vigilant in the fight to eradicate corruption from this institution and restore the public trust. Safeguarding the trust of the American people is not a part time job. The formation of this independent ethics entity will help cure the structural flaws inherent in our current system."

"On my first day in office representing the people of the 13th District, I stood on the floor of the House of Representatives in support of the new ethics rules package. This package put an end to the infamous K Street Project, put an end to outrageous gifts, perks and lobbyist-paid trips for members of Congress and their staffers, and made a historic move toward cleansing the inner workings of government. This rules package was extraordinary in its scope and breadth - but it was only a beginning."

"Keeping faith with our constituents must be at the forefront of our minds in everything we do. The establishment of a nonpartisan, independent ethics body is a necessary step to ensure that we have a process that keeps the faith of those who elected us."

Sutton was joined by a number of other Democratic freshmen, including Reps. Chris Murphy (CT-05), Baron Hill (IN-09), Zach Space (OH-18), Paul Hodes (NH-02), Kirsten Gillibrand (NY-20), Yvette Clarke (NY-11), Carol Shea-Porter (NH-01), Gabrielle Giffords (AZ-08), Nick Lampson (TX-22), Ed Perlmutter (CO-07), Tim Mahoney (FL-16), Bruce Braley (IA-01), Nancy Boyda (KS-02), John Sarbanes (MD-03), John Hall (NY-19), Jason Altmire (PA-04) and Steve Cohen (TN-09).

Contact: Ian Mandel at 202-225-3401