Claire Takes the Oath as Senator and Hits the Ground Running on Ethics Legislation

Just days after being sworn in as Senator, Claire McCaskill joined several colleagues for a press conference to discuss an ethics reform package, which will be the first bill taken up by the Senate. Amidst the political scandals uncovered in 2006, the new Congress plans to address strict ethical standards, including the prohibition of gifts and travel paid for by lobbyists, closing the "revolving door" for Members becoming lobbyists, as well as better lobbying disclosure and stringent transparency of the Senate activities.

McCaskill also expressed her desire to create an Office of Public Integrity to ensure the highest of ethical standards would be imposed beyond the rules associated with legislation. Scandals like that of Congressman Mark Foley showed that it is far too easy for a cover-up to occur when close friends and political colleagues can determine the consequences.

"The American people spoke loud and clear this past November that they want a government that holds itself to higher ethical standards. I applaud the leadership in the Senate for delivering legislation that does just that," McCaskill said. "The tightening of our ethics policies will allow the United States Congress to act more independently from the influence of lobbyists, cutting the lifeline from the moneyed interests that found their way into our legislative process."

Claire Joins Her Fellow 15 Women of the Senate on ABC's Good Morning America

Click here for video from ABCNews.com.

During Conference Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Claire is Named as "Trailblazer"

During the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dream Conference in St. Louis, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill received the "Trailblazer Award", honoring her as the first female elected Senator from the state of Missouri, as well as for her public service in the state.

The award was presented by St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley, Congressman Russ Carnahan (MO-3), Congressman Emanuel Cleaver (MO-5), Rev. Sammie Jones, and Congresswoman Maxine Waters (CA-35) at the Black and White Gala King Awards, wrapping up the day-long conference in St. Louis. The King Awards honor and recognize those who are continuing the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"I am both honored and humbled to receive an award associated with Dr. King's name and his life's mission. Dr. King epitomized a selfless struggle for peace and equality in this country and in the world," McCaskill said. "As we celebrate the day that honors Dr. King's life, we should remember the sacrifice he and so many others made to tear down divisive barriers in our society, which is now making it possible for a government intended for the people to be represented by the people."

Claire Opposes President's Troops Escalation Plan

Click on this link to the Arch City Chronicle to listen to Claire talk about her position against the President's troop escalation plan.

Claire Uses Her Auditor Skills in 9-11 Hearing to Ask Tough Questions About Waste

Participating in her first Homeland Security and Government Reform Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill asked tough questions about the need to curb wasteful spending often associated with our country's disaster preparedness and relief. She also asked national leaders for guidance as to the further development of first responder communications nationwide.

McCaskill referenced her own audit of thousands of personal protection suits that had been delivered to Missouri, and months later were still in boxes with no one trained to use them. The audit was used to demonstrate the need to curb wasteful spending in the allocation of funding designated for disaster preparedness or relief. Two former 9-11 Commissioners responded with similar wasteful spending scenarios and praised McCaskill for highlighting the important issue of homeland security oversight, which is often overlooked.

"The rub is, how do we avoid the misuse but yet still give Mayor Bloomberg the flexibility he needs with his unique situation in New York to utilize the funds in a way that is appropriate," McCaskill said. "I think there is a tendency to throw money at problem particular when it's as horrible as the terrorism threat. And so you want to give leverage and flexibility to the local communities. How do we stop the kind of spending that has gone on with these monies to the great detriment of our ultimate security?"