[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 18 (Monday, January 30, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H848]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO OUR GIFT BAN?

  (Mr. WATT of North Carolina asked and was given permission to address 
the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. WATT of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, what ever happened to our 
gift ban? Last year the House voted two separate times to stop 
lobbyists from paying for Members' meals, entertainment and other 
``gimmees,'' but the Republicans in the other body stopped the gift ban 
in its tracks. On the first day of this Congress, Mr. Speaker, House 
Democrats moved to impose tough gift restrictions and royalty limits, 
but the effort failed with not a single Republican in support. In the 
meantime, the image of our Members continues to be battered by book 
deals and other appearances of impropriety.
  If we are looking for respect, let us pass the gift ban. Mr. Speaker, 
give our image a break. Let us pass a gift ban.

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