Feingold introduces lobbying reform legislation

[UrbScotty]

http://feingold.senate.gov/~feingold/releases/05/07/2005714641.html

U.S. Senator Russ Feingold today introduced lobbying and ethics reform legislation aimed at strengthening lobbying disclosure requirements, slowing the revolving door between Congress and the lobbying industry, and curbing the excesses in privately funded trips and gifts for Members of Congress and their staffs. Similar legislation was introduced in the House earlier this year by Representatives Marty Meehan (D-MA) and Rahm Emanuel (D-IL). A fact sheet outlining the provisions in the Feingold legislation is attached.

"For too long, lobbyists and special interests have had too much power in Washington, and much of that power is hidden from public view," Feingold said. "Recent campaign finance reforms are helping, but with reports of members of Congress taking corporate jets with lobbyists on board to fly to fundraisers and going on lobbyist-funded golf junkets, it is clear that more work needs to be done. Our laws should reflect the will of the American people, not the desires of the highest bidder."

<snip>

"I commend and thank Senator Feingold for introducing the Lobbying and Ethics Reform Act of 2005," Emanuel said. "Just as Senator Feingold's campaign finance reform legislation put distance between donors and members of Congress, the Lobbying and Ethics Reform Act will do the same with special interest lobbyists and members of Congress. We've taken action to clean up corporate boardrooms and professional sports - it's high time we clean up our own act. We must return the People's House to the American people."

Feingold has been successful in the past in getting campaign finance reform, the 1995 congressional gift ban, and other reforms through Congress, and the legislation he introduces today is part of that continued reform effort.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

1. Hope it is successful

I recall that about a year ago, the Repukes locked out the Dems and went into a closed room with lobbyists to craft a health care bill.

[wli]

2. keep mentioning regime rotation

People need to get an idea of what's really going on.

[msongs]

3. Congress: accept NO gifts/services/money etc from lobbyists ->

no rides, no meals, no lodgings, no blow jobs, nothing, nada, zilch!
Nothing of value either tangible or otherwise.

Give lobbyists 3 hours a week to come into the capitol to pitch their shit and that is it.

Msongs
www.msongs.com/political-shirts.htm

[UrbScotty]

4. Right on (nt)

[hopein08]

5. There's a citizen co-sponsor thing at his PAC website...

http://progressivepatriotsfund.com

At least, I think it's a PAC, but it is without a doubt a website that has a citizen co-sponsor thing for the lobbying reform legislation. You can also sign up for emails and the usual PAC stuff.

I signed.

[UrbScotty]

6. Yes it is a PAC.

And thank you for the link. I signed it.

:hi: