Support for the Drain the Swamp Act – Ethics Shouldn’t Be Optional

I am writing to urge you to support Representative Ro Khanna’s Drain the Swamp Act, which would permanently prohibit White House officials from accepting gifts from lobbyists and restore the ethics rules that President Trump revoked upon taking office. This is a fundamental issue of integrity, transparency, and public trust—and every lawmaker who votes against it only raises more questions about their own ethical standards. Previously, President Biden’s Executive Order 13989 imposed strict rules on executive branch personnel, banning them from accepting gifts from lobbyists and limiting their ability to cash in on government positions. These rules were designed to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure public officials serve the people, not corporate donors or special interests. Yet, one of Trump’s first actions in office was to revoke these protections through Executive Order 14091, allowing lobbyists and insiders to resume their influence over government decisions. If Lawmakers Aren’t Corrupt, Why Remove These Protections? If there’s nothing to hide, why was it necessary to eliminate rules that promote ethical governance? If members of Congress truly work for the people, not lobbyists, then this should be a bipartisan, unanimous vote. Rejecting these ethics laws only fuels public distrust and sends a clear message: that those who vote no are comfortable with lobbyists buying influence in government. Congress Must Act – No More Excuses I urge you to: 1. Vote in favor of the Drain the Swamp Act to permanently ban gifts from lobbyists and enforce stricter ethical standards. 2. Explain to your constituents why anyone would oppose basic ethics rules—because every ‘no’ vote looks like an admission of corruption. 3. Investigate why Trump felt the need to remove these ethics protections in the first place through Executive Order 14091. The American people are watching. A vote against this bill is a vote for special interests and corruption. Will you stand for ethical governance, or will you stand for lobbyists?