Sen. John Kennedy announced he plans on introducing a bill to keep the families of U.S. officials from “profiting” from Ukraine through any type of work.
“The Ukraine government is historically corrupt, which is one way Russia exerts influence there,” the Louisiana Republican said in a statement Tuesday. “It is hard to know who to believe or trust, though I hope President Zelensky will chart a new, more ethical course. Senior members of our government should not be a part of, or seen to be a part of, this conduct. That hurts America, and it hurts the good people of Ukraine with whom the American people stand. My bill will remove any appearance of impropriety or potential conflict of interest for any immediate family member of a senior United States official. The best way to resist temptation is a proper upbringing, a strong set of values and tough laws.”
The bill forbids any consulting, independent contracting, or direct employment with a company doing business in Ukraine by the family members of elected federal officials or presidential cabinet members.
Kennedy, 67, has been critical of Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, who served on the board of a Ukrainian gas company while his father was vice president. Last week, the senator called for an investigation into the Bidens to find out whether the vice president benefited his son’s company.
