Senate Passes New Ethics Reform Bill

[Terri]

AP

WASHINGTON — The Senate, responding to voter frustration with corruption and special interest influence in Washington, on Thursday overwhelmingly approved far-reaching ethics and lobbying reform legislation.

Under the bill, passed 96-2, senators will give up gifts and free travel from lobbyists, pay more for travel on corporate jets and make themselves more accountable for the pet projects they insert into bills.

Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., who made the bill his first initiative as head of the Senate, called it the "most significant legislation in ethics and lobbying reform we've had in the history of this country."

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[wooley]

The hypocrites. They made it an issue in order to get into power. Then they had to do something. Wonder how much real change we will see.
What is sad is that the Republicans should have gotten reform done at least a decade ago. They squandered their opportunity. Wonder how many of the Dems would have gone along with it then. Hold not thy breath wondering.

[Danny]

The Senate, on a 55-43 vote, approved an amendment pushed by Sen. Robert Bennett, R-Utah, to strip a provision requiring reporting of "grass-roots" lobbying.

This is worth celebrating.

[lpara]

If they really want ethics reform, they'll need to get rid of all the dems; they should start from scratch with all new senators (and reps).

[EdieJ]

The Senate, on a 55-43 vote, approved an amendment pushed by Sen. Robert Bennett, R-Utah, to strip a provision requiring reporting of "grass-roots" lobbying.

Backers said it would shine light on special interest groups that use "hired guns" to organize mass mailings, phone-ins or e-mail campaigns. Opponents, including the American Civil Liberties Union and conservative groups such as the Traditional Values Coalition, argued that it was a free speech issue, discouraging people or groups from organizing petition drives.

I had to pinch myself... the ACLU on the right side of an issue? How did that happen?!

[candles]

must get rid of half her Democrat committee heads to prove she wants ethic reform. Let's start with Reid and work down.

[Amawalk John]

Let's start with Reid and work down.

Bingo!

What is the GOP waiting for .... another round of bonhomie to prove that we're gentlemen who are willing to give that creep a pass? Let's pay Dingy Harry off in a currency he understands.

[Tom Gibson]

Barney Frank chair of FINANCE COMMITTEE ?? He has made a complete a.. of himself already, and shouted down two "conservatives" who asked questions concerning "earmarks" ?? Might add him to the "early list" of dumps from chair positions. Peelowwsiii really picked some jewels. There is a big catfight over the "second bridge" at Laughlin NV , since the placement would be an almost "direct route" to Dirty Harry's land, which is now kind of "out of the way". Sean Hannity made the statement on his FOX news program (not H & C) that a second bridge wasn't needed and would only benefit Harry. They are calling FOX news to task over that statement. They want a "rebuttal". Guess who will win that battle ? Now they are saying the bridge has been "in the works" for some 10 years , but Harry only obtained the land in the last year or so ?? He got the land for a "reduced price" also..... Go figure ??
There is a lot of "house cleaning" to do or we are really in BIG trouble ...

[Whitetop]

Harry Reid and ethics; an oxymoron.

I don't care if they do pay more for the privilege of flying in corporate jets; they should not be allowed to fly in any corporate jet no matter how much they pay. They were elected (supposedly) by the common folk so they should have to travel like us, in tourist class. If they had to put up with the crap the rest of us do in terms of security, delays, etc. maybe they would get their heads out of their A** and come down to the reality of the real world. As it is they think they are royalty.

[rangerrebew]

Nice thoughts, Whitey, but the reality is that the commiecrats and rinos, and far too many Republicans, are not going to give up the gravey train diet. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely.