http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/congress_ethics&printer=1;_ylt=AtE3QsV5DQDlpDm83Vokcz2MwfIE;_ylu=X3oDMTA3MXN1bHE0BHNlYwN0bWE-Democrats Offer Solutions to Lobby Scandal
By JIM ABRAMS, Associated Press Writer1 hour, 27 minutes ago
Democrats are trying to gain the edge in the race for lobbying ethics reform with a package of measures to bar members of Congress from accepting gifts, meals and travel from lobbyists.
House and Senate Democratic leaders are to outline their approach to cleaning up the tainted relationship between lawmakers and lobbyists on Wednesday, a day after House Republican leaders announced that lobbying reform had moved to the top of their legislative priorities.
The battle to gain the ethical high ground comes amid the election-year scandal resulting from the activities of former lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who personally or through his clients showered lawmakers with contributions, meals, skybox seats or golf trips. Abramoff has pleaded guilty to corruption-related charges and is cooperating with prosecutors.
"We have a duty to do everything we can to keep the trust and confidence of our constituents," House Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., said Tuesday in describing legislation that would ban privately funded travel, tighten the gift ban, double to two years the time between a lawmaker's retirement and when he can become a lobbyist and increase disclosure requirements for lobbyists.
House Rules Committee Chairman David Dreier, who is leading the GOP effort to craft lobbying legislation, said that when the House returns to business in two weeks his committee will act on a rule banning former members-turned-lobbyists from entry on the House floor. He said he hoped to pass comprehensive legislation by the end of February.
Printer-friendly format
Email this thread to a friend
Bookmark this thread
(1000+ posts)
Send PM |
Profile |
Ignore
