U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) introduced two bills that he hopes “will help restore the American people’s faith in Congress and hold public officials accountable.”
“Transparency and unimpeachable integrity are essential to a government that truly serves the people of the United States,” the congressman said.
Rep. Fitzpatrick on Sept. 28 unveiled the bipartisan Presidential Tax Transparency Act, H.R. 6970, which would require presidential and vice presidential candidates to divulge their tax returns.
Joining Rep. Fitzpatrick as cosponsor of H.R. 6970 is U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-NY). The bill is identical to the same-named S. 3450, introduced on Sept. 17 by U.S. Sen. Ben Sasse (R-NE).
The proposal would require the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury to disclose and make publicly available candidates’ tax returns and related information going back 10 years prior to them running to serve as the president or vice president, according to the bill.
“The mandated release of tax information of those who seek the highest offices in our land sheds light on the backgrounds and financial transactions of candidates, allowing the American people to make a more fully informed decision on whom they choose to elevate,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick.
Rep. Suozzi pointed out that President Donald Trump’s “refusal to disclose his tax returns require the Congress to pass legislation mandating the disclosure for future candidates” to ensure Americans have access to any of a candidate’s potential conflicts of interest and to hold them accountable.
Also on Sept. 28, Rep. Fitzpatrick introduced the Cabinet Service Integrity Act, H.R. 6971, which would prohibit cabinet members and their immediate family from soliciting donations from foreign sources.
H.R. 6971 is the House version of the same-named S. 3452, which Sen. Sasse introduced on Sept. 17.
Rep. Fitzpatrick noted in a statement last month that high-ranking federal officials shouldn’t be able to use their office or position to seek funds from overseas entities.
H.R. 6971 is under consideration by the U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, while H.R. 6970 is being reviewed by the House Ways and Means Committee.