Rep. Susie Lee Helps Introduce RIIDE Act

Washington, DC – Yesterday, Rep. Susie Lee (NV-03) helped introduce bipartisan legislation to crack down on lavish spending by Cabinet officials and to increase transparency for taxpayers on renovation and redecorating expenses at federal agencies. Rep. Susie Lee joined a group her colleagues led by Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (IL-17) and Congressman Mark Meadows (NC-11) in introducing the Reining In Irresponsible Decorating Expenses (RIIDE) Act.

"I ran for Congress to get things done for Nevadans, and that means making sure our tax dollars aren't wasted," said Rep. Susie Lee. "Taxpayers should not be forced to pay for extravagant office decorations and sweetheart deals. The first piece of legislation I cosponsored was H.R. 1 to clean corruption in Washington. Yesterday, I went a step further and proudly helped introduce the RIIDE Act to bring transparency and accountability to government spending by Cabinet officials."

"In every corner of our region, I hear frustration about the rampant greed and corruption at the highest levels of our government – and too often, taxpayer dollars are used to foot the bill for lavish purchases by Cabinet officials," Congresswoman Bustos said. "This legislation would make common-sense reforms to hold the powerful accountable and ensure taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly. Cabinet officials shouldn't have a blank check to live large on the taxpayer's dime, and this bill is a much-needed step in the right direction to make the government work for the people again – not for personal gain."

"This legislation would provide much needed spending transparency, helping to prevent future missteps by agency heads that rightfully call into question their ability to be responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars," said Peter Tyler, Senior Policy Analyst at the Project on Government Oversight. "It also correctly prioritizes accountability over high-priced office furniture."

"The RIIDE Act is a critical common-sense reform that would ensure public officials do not abuse the public trust," said Tom Schatz, President of the Council for Citizens Against Government Waste. "Instead of measuring their taxpayer-funded drapes, Washington politicians should be focused on fiscal responsibility for themselves and the nation."

BACKGROUND: Recently, Cabinet officials have come under heightened scrutiny after reports of lavish redecorating expenses on the taxpayer's dime. Former Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt spent nearly $43,000 on a sound-proof phone booth, violating federal spending laws. Additionally, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Ben Carson spent more than $31,000 of taxpayer money on a new dining set. The RIIDE Act would crack down on these purchases and increase transparency for hardworking taxpayers.