Young’s bipartisan bill elevates national security risk of global corruption

U.S. Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) on Jan. 22 introduced bipartisan legislation aimed at making international corruption an American national security priority.

“Global corruption is often at the root of conflict, humanitarian suffering, and political crises,” Sen. Young said. “In places like Afghanistan, Yemen, and Venezuela, corruption has undermined the rule of law and stood in the way of humanitarian aid reaching those in need.”

Sen. Young signed on as the lead original cosponsor of the Combating Global Corruption Act of 2021, S. 14, with bill sponsor U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD). The bill would require the U.S. State Department to identify corruption in countries and rank them in a public, three-tiered system with respect to levels of corruption in their governments, according to a bill summary provided by the senators’ offices.

“Our bipartisan legislation aims to combat international corruption by standing with the world’s most vulnerable and holding those in power responsible for their actions,” said Sen. Young.

If enacted, S. 14 also would establish minimum standards for combating corruption; evaluate foreign persons engaged in grand corruption in the lowest tiered countries for consideration under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act; and designate an anti-corruption point of contact at U.S. diplomatic posts in the two lowest tiered countries, according to the bill summary.

“Corruption is a fundamental obstacle to peace, prosperity and human rights all around the world,” added Sen. Cardin. “Combating corruption should be elevated and prioritized across our foreign policy efforts.”

S. 14 has been referred for consideration to the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee.