Capito Urges Further Lobbying Reform

Capito Urges Further Lobbying Reform
1/22/2006

CHARLESTON, WV- (1/22) Congresswoman Capito (R-WV) discussed proposed lobbying reforms with Chairman David Dreier late last week. Capito urged the Chairman to move quickly on reforms and to make them a top priority when the House of Representatives comes back into session at the end of January, ideally on the first day of session. Included in the proposed reforms are:

* A ban on privately-funded travel;
* A significantly stronger gift ban, preventing members and staff from personally benefiting from gifts from lobbyists;
* The elimination of floor and gym access for former members who are registered lobbyists;
* Expanding the post-employment lobbying ban to two years for members and senior staff;
* The forfeiture of a Congressional pension for any member convicted of a felony related to their official duties;
* Stronger and more frequent disclosure on the part of lobbyists and third parties; and,
* Making the ethics committee more user-friendly and requiring training for all members and staff.
* Making transparency in lobbying by requiring instant and full disclosure.

"Over the last month, Chairman Dreier and I have had an ongoing discussion of the best ways to reform a broken system," said Capito. "The House Rules Committee will have a key role in leading this process and I look forward to being an integral part of the reform. Recent events have shown that there are loopholes in the way business can be done in Washington and every effort should be put forth to prevent this. Both parties have work to do and I'm hoping this doesn't become a blame game, but an opportunity to create a better system. Politics should be put aside as we strengthen a great institution."

http://capito.house.gov/press_office/detail-page.aspx?id=130&whichone=pr