Diaz-Balart Votes for Lobbying Reform

Diaz-Balart Votes for Lobbying Reform

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL) today voted to strengthen and reform lobbying rules in Congress as House Republicans renewed their commitment to increased transparency in congressional activities by approving H.R. 4975, the Lobbying Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 - the most comprehensive lobbying reform bill passed in over a decade.

"The American public has a constitutional right to lobby their elected representatives in Congress. Unfortunately, some bad actors from both sides of the aisle have abused this system and are being rightfully investigated.

"I have always supported full disclosure of funding requests and I am pleased that this legislation requires all earmark requests to have a name attached. Congress should be responsible with taxpayer money and this is one way to ensure taxpayer money is not abused.

"It was Republicans who led the effort in 1994 to clean up Congress and it is the Republicans today who have led the effort to increase transparency, push for greater accountability and improve oversight in the halls of Congress. Despite their rhetoric, Democrats have demonstrated through their votes that they do not really want reform."

http://www.house.gov/mariodiaz-balart/news/2006news/050306_lobbyingreform.htm