[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 2 (Thursday, January 5, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E44]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          INTRODUCTION OF THE LOBBYING DISCLOSURE ACT OF 1995

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                            HON. JOHN BRYANT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 4, 1995
  Mr. BRYANT of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing the 
Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995, a bill to reform the lobby disclosure 
laws and to ban lobbyists' gifts to Members of Congress.
  This bill is identical to the legislation that the House of 
Representatives passed on September 29, 1994, by a vote of 306 to 122.
  The American people need to know whether this Congress will put an 
end to the perception that the Congress is captivated by special 
interests who shower Members with gifts to win their favor.
  This bill would permanently bar lobbyists from gaining access to 
Members of Congress by picking up their tabs for meals and 
entertainment and it would end subsidies for what are essentially 
private vacation trips.
  It would also ensure that our constituents know how much is being 
spent to influence the decisions that we are sent here to make on their 
behalf by closing loopholes in existing lobby disclosure laws.
  As my colleagues know, Republicans sought to block consideration of 
this bill last year and succeeded in killing it with a filibuster in 
the Senate.
  But the issue of how private interests seek to influence this body 
can not be ignored.
  I urge the Congress to pass this legislation and help to restore the 
confidence of the American people in this institution.


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