[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 102 (Wednesday, June 21, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H6163]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   LOBBY REFORM LEGISLATION IS NEEDED

  (Mr. BRYANT of Texas asked and was given permission to address the 
House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. BRYANT of Texas. Mr. Speaker, we have heard a lot of talk this 
year about reform of this House from the new Republican leadership. But 
the one thing that they have steadfastly refused to do in attempting 
reform is the outrageous practice that continues, and has continued for 
many years, of Members of Congress being able to accept gifts from the 
very lobbyists who are paid to come and influence our decisions.
  It is time, Mr. Speaker, to end the carefully orchestrated effort by 
the Republican Speaker and the Republican leadership to prevent this 
House from considering legislation to prohibit the acceptance of gifts 
by Members of Congress from lobbyists.
  Last year we passed legislation through this House that did that. We 
passed it through the Senate and it did the same thing. But when the 
conference report went back to the Senate in the waning days of the 
session, the Republican Senators filibustered it and killed it.
  The fact of the matter is the public wants it. It is in the interest 
of this institution. It is good for America. Mr. Speaker, stop blocking 
the efforts to bring lobby reform legislation before the House of 
Representatives.


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