[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 17 (Friday, January 27, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H807]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                                GIFT BAN

  (Mr. WISE asked was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. WISE. Mr. Speaker, while we are on the subject of reform 
Democrats, from fruit baskets to first-class flights, it is time to 
give it up. It is time to pass the gift ban for lobbyists.
  In his State of the Union message, the President encouraged Congress 
to voluntarily abandon lobbyist gifts and trips. He is right.
                              {time}  1030

  We do not need a law to do what each of us can do individually. 
Today, I am implementing in our Charleston, Martinsburg, and Washington 
offices all the provisions of the reform law that still have not 
passed. That means no lobbyist-provided meals, no lobbyist gifts, and 
no lobbyist trips.
  Food, like fruit baskets, will either be declined or given to 
charity. Happily there will not be much change for our office. I 
believe we have received three cans of popcorn and one birthday cake in 
the last few months.
  Mr. Speaker, as I do this in my office, so does Congress need to pass 
the lobby reform legislation that puts this into law. Twice last year I 
voted to make it law. Two weeks ago I voted to make it law.
  As I have put this gift ban into effect and made it the law of the 
West Virginia Second Congressional District office, Mr. Speaker, now I 
ask you to help make it the law of the Nation.

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