WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Representatives Rahm Emanuel and Marty Meehan, released the following letter to Majority Leader John A. Boehner calling on him to bring comprehensive ethics and lobbying reform legislation to the House floor before adjournment. 

Following is text of the letter:

                                                      
Dear Majority Leader Boehner: 

We are writing to urge you to bring comprehensive ethics and lobbying reform legislation to the House floor before we adjourn for the year.  Without real reform, the abuses that led to the convictions of Jack Abramoff, Duke Cunningham, and Bob Ney will only continue.  The enactment of two pieces of legislation will achieve that objective. 

First, we must pass comprehensive lobbying reform. One option would be our bill, the Special Interest Lobbying and Ethics Accountability Act of 2005 (H.R. 2412).  This legislation, endorsed by non-partisan Congressional scholars Norman Ornstein and Thomas Mann along with editorial boards across the country, will change the way Congress does the People’s business in four central ways, by: 1) enhancing disclosure; 2) curbing privately funded junkets for members and staff; 3) slowing the “revolving door” between government service and lobbying, by expanding the “cooling off” period from one to two years and banning the Republicans’ “K Street Project”; and 4) imposing tough new penalties for violations.  Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi’s Open Government and Honest Leadership Act also addresses these issues, as well as cronyism in key appointments and cheating by federal contractors.

Second, the House should consider the amendment offered by Representatives Emanuel, Van Hollen, Bean, Barrow, Delahunt, and Doggett during the earmark “reform” debate as stand alone legislation, which would add real teeth to the Majority’s fig leaf of a “reform” bill.  This amendment, which was rejected by the Rules Committee, would have ended a process that has turned earmarking into a bonanza for Members, their families and business associates while severely damaging the reputation of the Congress.

With Congressional approval ratings mired in the 20% range, we must act now in order to restore integrity to this institution.  We are committed to comprehensive lobbying and ethics reform, and we stand ready to work with you to make it a reality before Congress adjourns for the year. 

                                                            Sincerely, 

  Martin T. Meehan                                                                                 Rahm Emanuel
Member of Congress                                                                           Member of Congress