Congress Backs Tighter Rules on Lobbying

NY Times ^ | August 3, 2007 | JEFF ZELENY and CARL HULSE

[neverdem]

WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 — The Senate gave final approval Thursday to a far-reaching package of new ethics and lobbying rules, with an overwhelming majority of Republicans and Democrats agreeing to improve policing of the relationship between lawmakers and lobbyists.

If President Bush signs the bill into law, members of Congress would face a battery of new restrictions. The legislation, approved by the Senate on a vote of 83 to 14, calls for bans on gifts, meals and travel paid for by lobbyists and makes it more difficult for lawmakers to capitalize quickly on their connections when joining the private sector.

The measure, which grew out of scandals that have tarnished the image of Congress, represents a cultural shift in the traditions of Capitol Hill. While proponents hailed the measure as the most significant reform since Watergate, open questions remained on how some provisions would be enforced and whether the measure would change lawmakers’ ability to secure pet projects known as earmarks.

Still, the legislation does require greater disclosure about how the projects are chosen, with an effort to shed light on backroom dealing at the root of scandals that landed four lawmakers in jail and contributed to Republicans losing control of Congress last year. The bill also requires lawmakers to disclose the names of lobbyists who raise $15,000 in contributions in a six-month period through the bundling of donations.

The measure also abolishes the practice of discounted rides on private planes, requiring senators as well as candidates for...

--snip--

“Regardless of how reforms might impact us, our priority must be to convince our constituents that we are here to advocate their best interests, not those of well-connected lobbyists,” said Senator Russ Feingold, Democrat of Wisconsin. “Ethical conduct in government should be more than an aspiration. It should be a requirement.”...

[neverdem]

[taxesareforever]

This will do absolutely nothing in regards to lobbying. They would not have passed this if it would have affected there getting lobbying handouts.

[airborne]

Congress overwhelmingly admits it can be bought with a meal.

[jwh_Denver]

I smell a rat.

[napscoordinator]

I like the Revolving Door rules. It sickens me that all those people that fought for the perscription drug bill all are working for the drug companies now. That just does not seem right to me. Many of the House members especially are now in private companies like Merk, Johnson and Johnson, etc.

[rhombus]

It sickens me that all those people that fought for the perscription drug bill all are working for the drug companies now. That just does not seem right to me. Many of the House members especially are now in private companies like Merk, Johnson and Johnson, etc.

How is this any different than a school teacher or other publicly funded employee (Air Traffic Controller, US Marine, TSA Worker, etc.) supporting programs that increase spending in the public sector? This is nothing new and has been going on.... well since Congress was created. I think the cures are worse than the disease in these cases.

[neverdem]

In Increments, Senate Revisits Immigration Bill I like Liz's idea.

Tighter gun-buy checks advance - Response to Tech tragedy hopes to block criminals, mentally ill...

Senate Passes Children’s Health Bill, 68-31

From time to time, I’ll ping on noteworthy articles about politics, foreign and military affairs. FReepmail me if you want on or off my list.

Thank God Congress is going into recess. It's too bad that it's not permanent.

[SunkenCiv]

thanks neverdem.

Senate Gives Ethics Bill Final Passage
SFGate.com | August 2, 2007 | CHARLES BABINGTON- AP
Posted on 08/02/2007 2:53:14 PM EDT by jazusamo
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1875362/posts

[Alamo-Girl]

Thanks for the ping!

[neverdem]

Thanks for the link.