Congressman Platts' Statement on Lobbying and Ethics Reform
“On May 3, 2006 , I voted against the lobbying bill passed 217 to 213 by the full U.S. House of Representatives (H.R. 4975). I did so because the 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.”
Members Advocate Even Start Funding
On May 5, 2006, forty-five members of Congress joined Congressman Todd Platts in sending a letter to the House Appropriations Committee on behalf of the William F. Goodling Even Start Family Literacy Program. The Administration has proposed to eliminate funding for this program. The letter sent by Congressman Platts and other members of Congress urges the Appropriations Committee to keep funding for Even Start at the level received in 2005-namely, $225 million.
”Even Start is the only federal education program that teaches literacy skills to both parents and children alike,” the letter states. “Even Start provides parents with the skills necessary to teach their children and improve their lives. Eliminating or reducing funding will leave thousands of families without the necessary language skills vital in obtaining a job, thus supporting their families.”
The Month in Review
The following is a list of some key votes taken by the United States House of Representatives during the month of April of 2006:
Darfur Peace and Accountability Act (H.R. 3127)
The House voted 416-3 to pass legislation blocking the assets and restricting the travel of any person determined to be responsible for acts of genocide, war crimes, or crimes against humanity in the Darfur region of Sudan. H.R. 3127 would also tighten existing sanctions on businesses involved in the Sudan oil sector. Congressman Platts voted in favor of this legislation.
527 Reform Act (H.R. 513)
The House voted 218-209 to pass legislation requiring so-called "527 groups," which are formed expressly for the purpose of influencing elections, to comply with the same disclosure requirements and campaign finance restrictions as political parties and political action committees (PACs). Congressman Platts voted in favor of this legislation.
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