Lobbying Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006
LOBBYING ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY ACT OF 2006 -- (House of Representatives - May 03, 2006)
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the chairman of the Rules Committee, Mr. Dreier, for his hard work and leadership in drafting the Lobbying Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006. It has been a tough job, and it has been a pleasure to work with him on this important reform legislation in the Rules Committee.
Mr. Chairman, we are all well aware of the recent scandals that have plagued the House of Representatives. The unscrupulous action of a few Members and staff has severely damaged this hallowed body that we are privileged to serve in. What is even more disturbing is that some see this as an opportunity for political gain. The recent scandals transcend political affiliation and ideology, and it is incumbent upon all Representatives to come together and restore the integrity of the House. This is not the time for catchy phrases and rhetoric. Rather, it is the time for each of us to step up and adhere to the duties as a Member of Congress.
I am especially pleased that this legislation includes language that I sponsored in the Rules Committee to strengthen and improve ethics training for staff and Members of Congress. This section would require all staff to attend an ethics training course or face severe penalty. It also requires that the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct will set up a similar program for Members and strongly encourages them to participate. I certainly plan to.
I realize that this may seem harsh to some, but my staff, who I require to have ethics training, now have benefited greatly from these training sessions, and I firmly believe that all staff should share in this experience. This measure ensures that all staff will receive this training.
This legislation also instructs the Standards Committee to report to the Rules Committee by no later than December 15 on the adequacy of the rules. The legislation is good progress. Thank you for granting me the time, and thank you for your leadership on this issue.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
http://thomas.loc.gov