WASHINGTON, DC-- The U.S. Senate has approved major lobbying reform legislation authored by Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Susan Collins, Ranking Member Joseph Lieberman, Rules Committee Chairman Trent Lott and Ranking Rules Member Chris Dodd. The Senate-passed bill prohibits all gifts from lobbyists to Members of Congress, requires the Ethics Committee to pre-approve privately funded travel, and reforms the earmark process to make it more transparent. In addition, it significantly strengthens disclosure and reporting requirements of lobbyists, increases the penalties for non-compliance, strengthens the rules governing lobbying of Congress by former Members of Congress and senior staffers, and requires for the first time disclosure by large scale, paid grassroots lobbying organizations.
“I am pleased that we have come together in a bipartisan manner to approve this important legislation,” said Senator Collins. “It is not perfect, but I believe it is a major step toward enhancing public confidence in the integrity of the decisions that Congress makes on the important issues facing our nation. The bill bans practices that have eroded public trust in government and ensures greater disclosure of lobbying activity.”
Senator Lieberman said, “This legislation completely upends the status quo, and I hope it will begin to restore the American public’s trust in Congress, which has been sorely tested by recent scandals, most prominently the indictment of lobbyist Jack Abramoff. Today, we have sent a clear and unequivocal message that, in Washington, we are taking significant steps to make sure results go to the greatest public good and not ever to the highest bidder."
Senators Collins and Lieberman expressed disappointment that the final legislation did not include their proposal for an Office of Public Integrity, an independent office to investigate allegations against Members of Congress.
Highlights of the bill are as follows:
- Prohibits lobbyist-funded gifts to Members of Congress and staff and requires that privately funded travel be pre-approved by the Ethics Committee
- It requires lobbyists to file quarterly reports that are more accessible for public viewing on a searchable, public database.
- It requires lobbyists to disclose contributions to campaigns, political action committees, and events honoring Members of Congress.
Increases to $100,000 the penalty for non-compliance
- Directs the Comptroller General to oversee and audit lobbyist disclosure reports
- Address the “Revolving Door” issue by extending from one year to two years the period during which former Members of Congress may lobby Congress and prohibits senior staff from lobbying the entire body they once served rather than just the individual member.
- Provides for mandatory ethics training for Members of Congress and Congressional staff