WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and a leading advocate of anti-corruption and good governance policies, released the following statement Wednesday in commemoration of various anti-corruption anniversaries within the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development:

“I salute the OECD as they celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the landmark Anti-Bribery Convention, and fortieth anniversary of its predecessor, the 1977 Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.  Every day, all around the world we see the need for continued vigilance against the corruption that threatens societal prosperity, security, and stability. I commend the leadership of the OECD in setting high standards and shining light on the global scourge of corruption. From Russia’s interference in elections around the world and its domestic human rights abuses, to the nearly failed state of Venezuela, to the persecution of journalists and transparency activists the world over, corruption is at the heart of the most important challenges we face. I will continue to be a strong advocate for putting anti-corruption and good governance matters squarely at the forefront of U.S. foreign policy.”

Background:

The State Department Authorization bill recently cleared by the Foreign Relations Committee contains a “Combatting Public Corruption” title, introduced by Senator Cardin with support from Senator David Purdue (R-Ga.) and seven bipartisan cosponsors.