Congressman Dennis Cardoza
18th Congressional District of California

WASHINGTON – Congressman Dennis Cardoza introduced legislation today aiming to provide more severe penalties for elected officials who violate the trust of their public office.
 
Specifically, the bill would give judges discretion to double the length of a sentence for any elected official who is convicted of bribery, fraud, extortion, or theft of public funds greater than $10,000. The recent alleged auctioning of an Illinois senate seat by Gov. Rod Blagojevich makes the issue especially relevant, said the congressman.

“Elected officials are afforded an enormous amount of trust from the public they represent,” said Congressman Cardoza. “That trust should be held to the highest standard. Unfortunately, time and time again we are reminded of the potential for abuse of public offices. This legislation marks a significant step in deterring such abuses and punishing those who commit it.”

During the past two years, the United States Congress has passed several landmark measures addressing ethics violations. Restrictions have been placed on travel, dining and lobbying practices.

“These are significant first steps in ensuring a higher standard of ethics,” Congressman Cardoza said. “However, my bill goes much further by providing even stiffer sentencing to those who violate the trust of those they represent.”