Statement of Gary Kalman, Democracy Advocate
U.S. PIRG applauds today’s House vote on lobby and
ethics reform. The bill represents a momentous step toward reining in
the special access and
influence exerted by powerful interests in Washington. It is without
question the most
significant change to the rules in a generation.
The legislation pulls back the curtain on previously secretive practices
in Congress that benefit narrow special interests. For the first time,
legislators will have to disclose the names of lobbyists who bundle campaign
contributions. There is meaningful and effective disclosure and accountability
in the earmarking process. There are stronger conflict of interest and
disclosure rules for when members are negotiating for private sector jobs and
an extension of the revolving door rules for when members leave Congress.
This landmark legislation challenges the culture in Washington.
Speaker Pelosi and Reps. Chris Van Hollen and Rahm Emanuel deserve
special recognition for their leadership and tireless efforts to ensure that
the bill retained strong, meaningful reform.
U.S. PIRG now calls on the Senate to adopt the bill without any
changes. The bill that returns to the Senate is stronger in several areas
than the one they already passed with strong bipartisan support. Efforts
to derail the bill at this juncture cannot be done in the name of protecting
the public. We must not lose this historic opportunity for change to
partisan infighting.
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