Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s (D-Calif.) ethics enforcement task force is charged with looking at how state ethics commissions, boards and offices operate and how private entities ensure ethical practices. In its review, the task force will find that 23 states have established independent oversight panels for lawmakers. The experience in the states demonstrates the efficacy of such panels and should soften even the most ardent opposition.

The new Congress deserves credit for quickly and strongly responding to the scandals of last year by passing sweeping changes to the rules that will reduce the special access of wealthy and powerful interests in Washington. It was a critical first step.

Today, Speaker Pelosi followed through on her pledge to appoint a congressional task force on ethics enforcement. We appreciate and applaud her ongoing commitment to ensuring that Congress effectively addresses the loose rules and lax enforcement that led to last year’s scandals – the worst in a decade. Public skepticism regarding the integrity of Congress remains extremely high because people understand that the new rules are only as good as the will to enforce them.

The new Congress has taken its first critical steps in changing the way business is done in Washington. U.S. PIRG applauds the action taken by the House this evening on the first pieces of the House rules package. Speaker Pelosi and the leadership deserve significant credit for bringing meaningful proposals to the floor. The overwhelming support for new restrictions on lobbyist-funded trips and gifts send a powerful message that the new Congress is taking the need for reform seriously.

On Tuesday, voters sent a powerful message to members of Congress that they must address the extraordinary corruption, ethics and lobbying scandals in Congress, and must do so quickly.