http://www.texpirg.org/newsroom/money-politics/money--politics-news4 http://www.texpirg.org/newsroom/money-politics/money--politics-news4/texpirg-calls-on-president-to-sign-bill-to-curb-lobbyists-influence President Bush has said he is considering a veto of the historic changes to the lobbying and ethics rules passed by Congress in the final week before the August recess. Texas Public Interest Research Group calls upon the President to sign the landmark legislation. The bill, The Honest Leadership and Open Government Act, bans gifts, meals and travel paid for by lobbyists, requires full disclosure of the fundraising that lobbyists do on behalf of federal candidates and, for the first time, establishes transparency and accountability for earmarks. The bill also prohibits lobbyists from paying for lavish parties at political conventions, increases disclosure of lobbyists’ activities, and closes loopholes that allowed those leaving public service to use their position to perform favors for future employers. “The bill contains sweeping changes to the rules and challenges the pay-to-play culture in Washington,” said TexPIRG’s Matthew Tejada, “One has to go back to the Watergate era to find the last time Congress made this significant a change.” Scandals last year ended with two Congressmen in jail. This year, at least four congressmen and one senator are under investigation for possible corruption charges. Voters in the last election told exit pollsters that corruption was the top issue driving their vote and polls continue to reflect the public’s distrust of Congress and the President. The bill passed the House on July 31 and the Senate on August 2 with very strong bipartisan support. The vote in the House was 411 to 8; in the Senate 83 to 14. To avoid a pocket veto, Congress will not send the bill to the President until they return in September. If the President should veto the bill, Congress will be in session to attempt an override. http://www.texpirg.org/newsroom/money-politics/money--politics-news4/texpirg-calls-on-president-to-sign-bill-to-curb-lobbyists-influence Tue, 02 Oct 2007 13:48:29 -0500