Tuesday, July 31, 2007

U.S. House Attacks Earmarks & Lobbyists

It's almost too good to be true. Despite wasting time debating and passing a resolution demanding the Japanese apologize again for World War II atrocities, House Democrats created a bill that has something to do with U.S. citizens. Finally, the House voted 411-8 to require Senators to publicize their earmarks 48 hours prior to a Senate vote. They would also have to declare that family members would not benefit financially from the projects. Obviously, this is not retroactive or there would be too few senators left to conduct business.

The bill also requires House and Senate members to disclose lobbyists who raise at least $15,000 for their campaigns within a six-month period or donate gifts, tickets to sporting events, meals, concerts, etc.

1 comment:

Sirocco said...

You do realize this bill was actually the very first bill introduced by the new Congress right? That both the House and the Senate passed version with overwhelming margins? ...

... after which, Senate Republicans, who had passed the initial bill something like 98-2, held things up by filibustering attempts to form a conference to reconcile the bill with the House version.

Reid and Pelosi are trying to get around that obstructionism by passing identical bill versions, which won't require subsequent conference meetings ... meaning if Republicans want to hold things up now, they actually have the filibuster the reform bill, a much thornier proposition.