Rep. Garbarino Helps Introduce the Family Integrity to Reform Elections (FIRE) Act
Washington, D.C. – Earlier today, Congressman Andrew R. Garbarino (NY-02) helped introduce The Family Integrity to Reform Elections (FIRE) Act. Current law allows for candidates to pay their immediate family members at market rates for a bona fide service to the campaign. However, this loophole has allowed for millions of dollars to flow out campaigns in into the bank accounts of the candidate’s family members with little proof they are contributing. This legislation is sponsored by Congressman Pat Fallon (TX-04). Joining Rep. Garbarino as original co-sponsors of the bill are Reps. Ronny Jackson (TX-13), Pete Sessions (TX-17), Jake Ellzey (TX-06), Randy Weber (TX-14), Byron Donalds (FL-19), Brian Babin (TX-36), Kat Cammack (FL-03), and Troy Nehls (TX-22).
"Campaign funds should never under any circumstances be used to enrich a candidate or their family," said Rep. Garbarino. "Voters deserve to feel confident that their public officials are running to represent them, not line their own pockets. This legislation will shine a light on campaign finance and hold candidates for public office to a higher standard on par with the public trust they wield."
This legislation would address this problem by:
- Prohibiting any campaign funds from going to the candidate’s immediate family and holding the candidate directly responsible for knowingly violating this provision.
- Clarifying the definition of immediate family in the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971.
- Punishing violators with a $100,000 fine or two times the amount paid to the family member — whichever is greater. Violators may face up to 2 years in prison in addition to fines.
Rep. Fallon said, “Maxine Waters, $1.1 million to her daughter from campaign funds. Ilhan Omar, $2.9 million to her husband from campaign funds. James Clyburn, over $200,000 to multiple family members from his campaign. The numbers speak for themselves. Americans are sick of politicians abusing their voters’ hard-earned money. This modern-day spoils system must end. My bill shines light on shady campaign finance practices while punishing those who take advantage of these funds to enrich their families.
I want to thank my colleagues for joining me on this legislation, and I urge the Speaker to put it to a vote.”
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