In 2012, five companies alone spent nearly $150,000,000 on lobbying (Center for Responsive Politics). Corruption is a global problem, but the amount shown was requested only from members of the US Congress. This money could have been used to repair roads, create more parks, pay for school supplies, and improve the community. Instead, over $100,000,000 was given to members of Congress to pocket. Members of Congress had no right to deny American citizens a better community. There is no sure way to end corruption, but laws have been proposed to mitigate it. Members of Congress make decisions that have a significant impact on American citizens. So of course they must have the power. Taking away the power of members of Congress would defeat the purpose of Congress. The Clean Up Government Act of 2011 was proposed, but was, for lack of a better word, defeated in 2012. This law would increase penalties for corruption and make certain congressional activities illegal, such as letting members of Congress take them in hand. Over the last twenty years, lobbying has increased significantly (The Sunlight Foundation). There are many solutions that could help prevent corruption. The Anti-American Corruption Act Could Be Passed. There are also ongoing movements, such as the Stop Corruption First campaign sponsored by MoveOn.org Political Action. However, there is no such thing as a foolproof plan. Corruption causes the community to lose money to corrupt members of Congress. Power and money are something very important to some people. Some might go so far as to obtain these things illegally. For example, Duke Cunningham, a former U.S. representative, admitted to receiving more than two million dollars in bribes. Two million dollars is a lot of money, enough to build a few small bridges. Instead, the my...... middle of paper......the United States. The New York Times published an editorial arguing that the previously mentioned Clean Up Government Act of 2011 would greatly benefit Congress. This law would increase prison sentences for corruption, make more activities officially illegal, and more. However, it was included in the union calendar. This means it was put aside until someone spoke up about it. Reducing the influence of Congress is the best option because it has a direct effect. Elementary students learn that Congress makes laws. However, some Congressional representatives buy a business or influence an election. Congress should never be able to do that, because it only legislates. The United States has provided subsidies, or financial support, to various farms, but those benefiting from them are Chuck Grasslet, Gordon Smith and Ken Salazar, all members of Congress (How Money Corrupts Congress).