House Passes Republican Lobbying and Earmark Reform Measures

Via email:

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) praised House passage of lobbying reform legislation that turned out to be more sweeping than what was originally proposed by House Democratic leaders. The measure was strengthened by the successful passage of a GOP proposal adding several key reforms that the Democratic leadership had tried unsuccessfully to keep out of the lobbying bill. Boehner released the following statement:

“The lobbying bill passed today is virtually identical to one passed by the Republican-led House last year – and in the few areas in which it goes further than last year’s bill, Democrats only have Republicans to thank. The American people have every right to expect the highest ethical standards from Congress, and the Republican proposal passed today not only substantially improves the bill but it will take a significant step forward in restoring American’s trust in their elected representatives.”

NOTE: Democrats joined Republicans in passing the 13th GOP motion-to-recommit which added the following Republican reforms to the lobbying bill, despite the best efforts of the Democratic leadership:

A provision closing the government lobbyist loophole by ensuring all registered lobbyists are subject to House ethics rules. This provision was based on an amendment offered by Boehner and Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ);

A provision closing the revolving door for lobbyists-turned-staff members;

A provision to shine more light on the earmark process by requiring lobbyists to report the earmarks for which they lobby; and

A provision requiring lobbyists to disclose contributions they’ve “bundled” together (per H.R. 2317, which passed the House earlier today), including contributions bundled to Political Action Committees—PACs (per the Republican motion-to-recommit on H.R. 2317, which the House also adopted).

And just think, the Democrats wanted to shut down the Motion to Recommit rule...