July 31, 2007
Posted: 11:29 AM ET

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House voted overwhelmingly Tuesday to require lawmakers to disclose more details of their bids to fund pet projects and their fundraising help from lobbyists, a package that some groups call the most significant congressional reforms in years.

The bill, drafted by Democratic leaders, passed by a vote of 411 to 8. It would require House and Senate members to disclose those lobbyists who raise $15,000 or more for them within a six-month period by "bundling" donations from many people. It also would bar lobbyists and their clients from giving gifts, including meals and tickets, to lawmakers.

Senators seeking targeted spending projects or "earmarks" would have to publicize their plans 48 hours before the Senate votes on the proposals, and declare their families would not directly benefit financially.

The House made similar changes to its rules governing earmarks in January. Senate leaders hope to give final passage to the bill later this week.

Filed under: House


Independent Voter, TN   July 31st, 2007 3:12 pm ET

Accountability in government…what a novel idea. Want to bet that those on both sides of the aisle were crapping in their pants while they were voting for this measure?

Anonymous   July 31st, 2007 1:43 pm ET

So lets have disclosure right now of all previous requests for the current fiscal year. The bill should have gone further by forcing disclosure of all requests, not just those that are approved. Also, oversight jurisdiction should lie with an independent nuetral third party..

Brian Collins, Chapel Hill, NC   July 31st, 2007 1:39 pm ET

Wow, this is all the press the story has received?! Wasn't ethics reform kind-of an issue in the last congressional election - perhaps THE issue? It's great to see that the media would rather sell controversy, even when people obviously care more about something far less juicy. I mean, it doesn't have to be CNN's feature article, but this is pathetic!

John, Michigan   July 31st, 2007 1:20 pm ET

Sure sounds good. I hope they don't include a lot of loopholes to sneak around things.

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