DeLauro Supports Sweeping Ethics Reform In First Legislative Vote of 110th Congress

DeLauro Supports Sweeping Ethics Reform In First Legislative Vote of 110th Congress

In the first legislative vote of the 110th Congress, Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro (Conn.-3) joined her colleagues to support sweeping ethics reform that reverses the excesses of the former Congressional leadership and restores the public trust in Congress. The Honest Leadership and Open Government bill passed in the U.S. House of Representatives today overwhelmingly.

"With this legislation, we take the critical steps necessary to preserving the integrity of this institution, its Members and, indeed, the democratic process in this country," said DeLauro. "This November, the American people, weary from scandal after scandal, said "enough." They said it was time to clean up Washington - to sever ties between lawmakers and lobbyists and elect a Congress engaged in the people's business - in improving people's lives, not in securing perks and privileges for themselves. They want Members of Congress who are accountable for their actions. With this Congress—and this rules package—that is exactly what they will get."

The ethics proposal includes:

* A Ban on Gifts from Lobbyists that prohibits lawmakers or their staff from accepting gifts or expensive meals that could sway legislators' opinions, create unethical relationships between lobbyists and legislators, or give the appearance of impropriety.
* A Ban on Lobbyist Travel that prohibits lobbyists and the organizations that employ them from planning, organizing, requesting, financing, arranging, or participating in travel for Members of Congress or their staff. This measure also forbids the use of official, personal or campaign funds to pay for the use of non-commercial, corporate jets.
* A Ban on Pay-to-Play Schemes Like the "K Street Project," which amounted to a revolving door between Congress and lobbying firms, in which Republicans told corporations and lobbying firms whom they should hire in exchange for political access.
* A Ban on Arm Twisting for Votes - the practice of holding votes open for undue amounts of time for the sole purpose of twisting arms and affecting the outcome of a vote.
* A Requirement of fiscal and budgetary responsibility. "Pay-as-you-go" budget rules will stop any new deficit spending as the first step toward reversing record deficits mortgaging our children's future.
* Earmark Reform. Full disclosure of all earmarks, requiring Members to certify that earmarks provided would be for the public good -- not financially benefiting themselves or their spouses.

http://www.house.gov/delauro/press/2007/January/Ethics_01_05_07.html