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January 19th, 2006

04:42 pm [Link]

GOP backs new curbs on lobbyists' influence Boston Globe 01/18/06 Rushing to blunt the effects of a burgeoning influence-peddling scandal, Capitol Hill Republicans yesterday endorsed new ethics rules for lawmakers, including bans on all privately funded travel, tighter limits on gifts, and more restrictions on former senators and House members who leave office and become lobbyists. The ban on travel would crack down on a loophole used extensively by disgraced Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff to dodge ethics regulations. Under current law, lobbyists can't pay directly for members' travel, but Abramoff and others have arranged exotic trips for members -- free of charge -- through corporate sponsors who want to influence legislation. In addition, GOP leaders said they want to lower the value limit on gifts lawmakers can accept from $50 to $20; increase from one year to two the 'cooling-off period' for former legislators before they can begin lobbying their colleagues; and limit lawmakers' insertions of 'earmarked' special projects in spending bills, a practice lobbyists have long favored as a way to show off their influence... http://tinyurl.com/7hy8a Informant: Thomas L. Knapp