Claire is deeply concerned about the lack of accountability in Washington. She's watched drug lobbyists write a flawed Medicare D plan, Halliburton overcharge Iraq taxpayers, and Hurricane Katrina victims suffer from an inept response. It is clear Washington is more in touch with the special interests than those of Missourians. Claire is working in the U.S. Senate to restore accountability and integrity in our government.
Ethics and Lobbying Reform
Claire has proposed a tough new ethics and lobbying reform plan designed to reduce the influence wielded by high-paid lobbyists over Members of Congress and their staff. Her 15-point plan includes: banning lobbyist gifts, increasing disclosure, and establishing a new Independent Ethics Commission to investigate and audit the influence.
Claire had first-hand experience rooting out government corruption and earned renown for her fierce independence as a taxpayer watchdog as Missouri State Auditor. She also cracked down on corruption as Jackson County Prosecutor, when her prosecuting staff investigated the relationship between casino owners and the Port Authority who oversees them. During this investigation, she learned it was not against Missouri law to bribe unpaid public officials, which included members of hundreds of school boards and commissions.
Claire believes Missourians deserve an honest accounting of how the lobbying industry seeks to influence legislators and their lives.
Reviving the Truman Commission for the War in Iraq
Claire won the seat once held by Harry Truman, who made his name in the Senate by heading up a commission to examine contracting abuse during World War II.
In its first year, the commission cost just $15,000, but saved American taxpayers nearly $15 billion after exposing unscrupulous companies who were bilking the government. Claire believes a new Truman Commission is needed to investigate contracting abuse in Iraq. The commission would ensure taxpayer money reaches our troops and not pad CEO salaries or pay politically-connected companies.
