Today’s vote in the U.S. Senate was a terrific win for the American
people. Following the House action earlier this week, the landmark bill
now heads to the President’s desk where we expect he will sign the bill.
The reforms passed this week represent the most sweeping changes to the
rules in a generation. Congress has never operated in the way we learn
about in high school civics but the workings of Washington have become
poisoned by the common practices that all too often put lobbyists and
the powerful interests they represent ahead of constituents and the
American people.
The changes take our democracy out of the darkness and open up the
process with meaningful disclosure and new, tougher rules on the
actions of lobbyists and their dealings with legislators.
For the first time, lobbyists will have to disclose the contributions
they not only give to candidates but also those they raise. If the
public is to truly understand who is building access through campaign
fundraising, knowing about an individual’s personal $2,000 contribution
is helpful, but knowing about the tens and hundreds of thousands they
bundle for candidates is critical.
The bill also:
• strikes
at the “clubby” environment in which lobbyists buy members gifts, pay
for meals and take them to sporting events and on lavish trips to gain
access that is not afforded to the general public;
• requires sponsors to disclose the earmarks lawmakers insert in bills and adds a new layer of accountability to the process;
• slows the “revolving door” by which lawmakers can leave public service
and immediately return as high paid lobbyists for special interests
with special access.
