1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I urge you to support legislation that makes it illegal for those running for office and elected officials to knowingly lie, mislead, or manipulate the American people in official statements and rhetoric. Political deception is not just unethical—it is fraud on the public and causes irreparable harm to democracy. When politicians knowingly spread falsehoods, they erode public trust, distort policy, and incite real harm. Recent examples prove this: • Election Misinformation & January 6: The “Big Lie” about the 2020 election led to an attack on the U.S. Capitol, resulting in deaths, injuries, and lasting threats to election workers. Millions of Americans now doubt election integrity because officials pushed false narratives. • COVID-19 Misinformation: False claims about the virus and vaccines led to preventable deaths and overwhelmed hospitals. A 2021 report found misinformation caused at least 2,800 deaths in Canada alone—U.S. losses are far greater. • George Santos’ Fabricated Biography: Santos deceived voters to win office, lying about his education, career, and personal history. His case exemplifies how unchecked deception undermines democracy by defrauding the electorate. Lying in business, law, and finance has legal consequences—why should elected officials be exempt? Fraudulent misrepresentation should be illegal in politics, just as it is in consumer protection and financial markets. I urge Congress to: 1. Make willful political deception illegal, focusing on verifiable, intentional lies in official statements. 2. Establish penalties, such as fines, censure, or removal for officials who knowingly mislead the public. 3. Restore public trust by ensuring that truth—not deceit—is the standard in government. Democracy cannot function if officials are allowed to lie with impunity. Passing truth-in-politics legislation will protect the American people and restore faith in government.