House passes congressional ethics reform bill
Do you think this bill is real reform?
MSN-The House voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to require lawmakers to disclose more details of their bids to fund pet projects and their fundraising help from lobbyists.
Some self-described watchdog groups called the measure, which now goes to the Senate, the most significant congressional reform in years.
The bill, drafted by Democratic leaders, would require House and Senate members to disclose those lobbyists who raise $15,000 or more for them within a six-month period by “bundling” donations from many people. It also would bar lobbyists and their clients from giving gifts, including meals and tickets, to lawmakers.
Might not be perfect but it sounds good. It will make the public more aware of the influence the lobbyists have.
Non-sequitur — “The bill, drafted by Democratic leaders…” followed by a quote from one of the most disgusting hacks in Congress Rahm Emanuel.
I’ll make sure to “bundle” just under $15k next time.
The Wall Street Journal had this to say about it:
What remains is a sham of a reform. A prohibition on allowing Members to trade earmarks for votes? Gone. A restriction on allowing Members and their staff from promoting earmarks from which they or their families would receive a direct financial benefit? All but gone. The original reform required earmarks to be listed on the Internet and searchable 48 hours before consideration of legislation; the new bill says this is only required if it is “technically feasible.” Here’s betting Congress finds other urgent uses for its tech staff during Appropriations season.
Our favorite switcheroo: Under the previous Senate reform, the Senate parliamentarian would have determined whether a bill complied with earmark disclosure rules. Under Mr. Reid’s new version, the current Majority Leader, that is Mr. Reid himself, will decide if a bill is in compliance. When was the last time a Majority Party Leader declared one of his own bills out of order?
So Harry Reid will be able to continue to trade earmarks for votes.Thats Democracy Democrat style.
S1 — Ethics bill scheduled for senate vote at 1:50 today…what a joke!