Capito Votes for First Phase of Lobbying Reform

Capito Votes for First Phase of Lobbying Reform
2/1/2006

WASHINGTON, DC -(2/1)- The House of Representatives took the first of many steps towards reforming lobbying rules today. In a bipartisan vote of 379 to 50, the Congress passed a measure eliminating floor privileges and access to Member exercise facilities for registered lobbyists who are former Members of Congress. The legislation was passed out of the House Committee on Rules with Congresswoman Capitos support on Tuesday.

"This measure is an excellent first step towards reforming the manner in which business is conducted in Washington," said Capito. "The strength of democracy is the ability of all citizens to petition their government equally. A former member of Congress should not have greater access to public officials than the constituents we are elected to represent."

"I take great pride in meeting with West Virginians while in Washington and traveling through my district. It is these face-to-face meetings that help me define policies that will help all West Virginians," Capito said.

Capito added, "As a member of the House Rules Committee, I will continue to work on further reforms over the next month. I look forward to an open bipartisan debate that will ultimately strengthen the Congress."

http://capito.house.gov/press_office/detail-page.aspx?id=135&whichone=pr