[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 138 (Wednesday, September 28, 1994)]
[House]
[Page H]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 28, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                     TAKE THE TIME TO READ THE BILL

  (Mr. GOSS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. GOSS. Mr. Speaker, in a rare victory yesterday, those of us 
seeking to uphold the Standing Rules of the House won an important 
point. It may sound like a small thing, but by preserving the 
traditional 3-day layover requirement for bills coming to the floor, we 
won Members an extra day to read S. 349, the lobby reform bill. This is 
an important subject, long overdue and responsive to the call of the 
American people for stronger and clearer disclosure, gift, and travel 
rules. But this bill is as confusing as it is important, and even the 
most well-meaning, unsuspecting Members could find themselves in a 
minefield if they do not understand the nuances. The Ethics Committee 
will develop guidelines to help Members adhere to the new policies, but 
I urge Members not to be complacent. Take advantage of that extra time, 
and read the bill. As is the case for the average American, ignorance 
of the rules will not be an acceptable excuse, and boy is this lobby 
bill full of new rules.

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