The Need for Real Lobbying Reform

"Today I voted against the lobbying bill passed by the full U.S. House of Representatives (H.R. 4975).  I did so because this bill was a missed opportunity for meaningful lobbying and ethics reform.  The proposal passed by the House is significantly weaker than the one passed by the Senate, failing to ban lobbyist-paid meals and gifts (such as tickets to sporting events).  Additionally, H.R. 4975 fails to ban privately-sponsored travel and does not include comprehensive earmark reform.  Two bipartisan amendments I cosponsored to strengthen the bill-one to establish an Office of Public Integrity which would supplement the gridlocked Ethics Committee, and the other to take away the pensions of Members convicted of a variety of crimes-were blocked from consideration.

I believe strongly that public service is a noble profession filled with many, many good people.  The recent scandals in Washington, however, have eroded the trust of the American people in Congress-and understandably so.  As we approach any final bill with the Senate, I hope Congress will pass true ethics and lobbying reform and restore the public's trust."

For related news stories, please see http://www.medillnewsdec.com/power_trips/trips06_pa_platts.shtml and  http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/04/AR2006050401738.html.