Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Lobbying Reform Legislation Virtually Dead
Not surprisingly, the Republican-controlled House and Senate are not eager to actually enact the strenuous reform measures they touted earlier this year when they were all scurrying to distance themselves from Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his golfing trips, campaign contributions, free meals and other benefits he heaped upon them prior to his plea bargain agreement.
Jeff Birnbaum outlines that the effort is virtually dead. If Congress passes any legislation, which is doubtful at this point, it likely will be a further watered-down plan to require lobbyists to file their forms more frequently, but with few, if any, additional requirements on lawmakers themselves. The overseas trips, meals, entertainment, etc. likely will continue with little change.
As I have indicated in previous posts, it is becoming increasingly clear that corruption alone likely will not cost any Member of Congress his or her seat in November.
And that would be too bad. America deserves better than the Republican control it is now under.
Jeff Birnbaum outlines that the effort is virtually dead. If Congress passes any legislation, which is doubtful at this point, it likely will be a further watered-down plan to require lobbyists to file their forms more frequently, but with few, if any, additional requirements on lawmakers themselves. The overseas trips, meals, entertainment, etc. likely will continue with little change.
As I have indicated in previous posts, it is becoming increasingly clear that corruption alone likely will not cost any Member of Congress his or her seat in November.
And that would be too bad. America deserves better than the Republican control it is now under.
