Scott Statement on Supreme Court Decision in McDonnell Case

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Bobby Scott (VA-03) issued the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in McDonnell v. United States:

“The interpretation of the law advanced by the government would have potentially swept in every elected official in the country for exercising routine political courtesies on behalf of constituents who have contributed to a campaign or provided a legal gift. The Supreme Court’s ruling today thankfully provides clarity on what constitutes an official act under the federal bribery statute.

“Today’s decision should also encourage Virginia and other states to consider additional reforms to gift rules. While the law at the time did not have clearly established limits, the magnitude of the personal gifts received by the McDonnells were clearly inappropriate and violated ethical norms. Elected officials owe it to the public to maintain the highest level of ethical conduct in office even if the law may not always require them to do so.”

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