WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), alongside Representatives Young Kim (CA-40) and Jared Golden (ME-02), introduced the bipartisan Stop Congressional Self-Enrichment Resolution, which would strengthen House ethics rules governing Community Project Funding and prohibit Members of Congress from using taxpayer-funded projects to create direct or indirect financial benefits for themselves, their families, or entities in which they hold a financial interest.

Under Rule XXIII, clause 17 of the House Rules, Members requesting Community Project Funding, commonly known as earmarks, must certify that they and their spouses have no financial interest in the request. Current rules, however, do not explicitly address certain indirect financial benefits—including circumstances in which a federally funded project could increase the value of a nearby business or other asset in which a Member or their family has a financial interest.

The Stop Congressional Self-Enrichment Resolution would close that gap by requiring Members to certify that neither they, their spouse, their immediate family members, nor any entity in which they hold a material financial interest would benefit financially—directly or indirectly—from an earmark they request.

“Public service is a public trust, and there can be no ambiguity about whose interests we are here to serve,” said Congressman Fitzpatrick. “Taxpayer dollars should never be used to create a private financial benefit for the people entrusted with spending them. If a Member of Congress requests federal funding, the public deserves confidence that the decision is being made in the public interest—not for the Member’s own financial gain. I have spent years working across the aisle to eliminate conflicts of interest and strengthen accountability in Congress. This resolution continues that work by establishing a clearer standard and stronger safeguards around the use of public funds.”

“When politicians are busy lining their own pockets, how can they ever understand or focus on the pocketbook issues Americans face every single day? Californians are struggling to afford groceries, gas, healthcare, and housing while paying some of the highest taxes in the nation. The least they deserve is representation focused on making their lives better,” said Congresswoman Kim. “I’m proud to lead this commonsense resolution with Congressmen Jared Golden and Brian Fitzpatrick to hold Members of Congress to a stronger standard when bringing federal dollars back home. Members of Congress should be concerned with building a better future for Americans, not filling their own coffers.”

“Americans deserve certainty that when a member of Congress secures funding for their district, it’s for the good of their constituents—not themselves, their families or any entity in which they have a financial interest,” said Congressman Golden. “This resolution will strengthen the anti-corruption guardrails around Community Project Funds to ensure federal dollars are used responsibly. I’m proud to co-sponsor this commonsense change to preserve the integrity of the House.”

Fitzpatrick’s Continued Work on Congressional Ethics and Accountability

The Stop Congressional Self-Enrichment Resolution builds on Fitzpatrick’s previous bipartisan proposals addressing financial conflicts of interest, congressional ethics, and accountability in public office, including:

• The Restore Trust in Congress Act – A bipartisan proposal prohibiting Members of Congress, their spouses, dependent children, and trustees from owning or trading individual stocks and other covered financial assets, with enforcement provisions and penalties for violations.
• The Public Service Accountability Act – Bipartisan legislation extending financial-conflict restrictions across all three branches of the federal government by prohibiting covered senior officials from trading individual stocks or participating in prediction markets while in federal service.
• The Bipartisan Restoring Faith in Government Act – Fitzpatrick’s earlier bipartisan legislation prohibiting Members of Congress, their spouses, and dependents from owning or trading individual stocks.
• Fitzpatrick’s Congressional Reform Package – A broader package of proposals addressing congressional accountability and institutional reform, including congressional term limits, a balanced budget requirement, single-subject legislation, and withholding Member pay during government shutdowns.

Together, these proposals center on a consistent standard: decisions made through public office should be separated from private financial interests and subject to clear rules, transparency, and enforceable safeguards.

Read the full resolution text HERE.