WASHINGTON, DC - The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, led by Chairman Susan Collins and Ranking Member Joseph Lieberman, today held its first hearing on lobbying reform. Committee members heard testimony from their colleagues who have authored lobbying reform proposals, and representatives from both private and non-profit organizations. Witnesses included Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Russ Feingold (D-WI), Norm Coleman (R-MN), Richard Durbin (D-IL), and Rick Santorum (R-PA). Others who testified before the committee included Dick Clark, Program Director, The Aspen Institute; Bill Samuel, Director for Legislation, AFL-CIO; John Engler, President, National Association of Manufacturers; Paul Miller, President, American League of Lobbyists; and Fred Wertheimer, President, Democracy 21. “We have an obligation to strengthen the crucial bond of trust between those in government and those whom government serves,” said Senator Collins. “If that bond is frayed, if our citizens believe that decisions are tainted by improper influence, then our country will be unable to tackle the big issues. No major legislation can pass without the support of the American people. And the public’s trust in Congress is perilously low.” "I believe we have a once in a generation opportunity to reach agreement on a broad set of lobbying reforms that will reduce the cynicism with which many of the American people view their government," Senator Lieberman said. "We cannot and will not let partisanship or institutional defensiveness stop us from achieving that goal. The status quo stinks and cries out to us to lead the way to clear the air." At the hearing, witnesses and committee members discussed many different proposals to change or tighten rules and law governing lawmaker contacts with lobbyists.