[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 177 (Thursday, November 9, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2147-E2148]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            LOBBYING REFORM

                                 ______


                           HON. ANNA G. ESHOO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, November 9, 1995

  Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge all my colleagues to support a 
complete ban on gifts from special interest lobbyists. Since arriving 
in Congress, I've made it my office policy not to accept any gifts from 
lobbyists or allow any of my staff to do so. Earlier this year, I was 
one of 32 Members who signed a Common Cause pledge saying that lobbyist 
gifts were forbidden in my office. Every Member should take this 
pledge.
  It's important because the American people continue to lose faith in 
Congress. In addition to the intense partisan bickering and gridlock 
that have become the hallmarks of this institution, Americans are 
appalled by the cozy relationship that exists between lobbyists and 
Members of Congress.
  They perceive--often correctly--that Members ignore the needs of the 
average person while bending over backwards to meet the needs of monied 
special interests. They feel shut out, ignored, and disengaged from the 
democratic process.

[[Page E 2148]]

  We need to rebuild and restore public trust in Congress and its 
Members. And there can be no better way to begin this process than by 
giving up lobbyist-provided meals, tickets, vacations, food baskets, 
and golf outings that have come to symbolize what's wrong with 
Washington and the way it operates. These gifts should be flat out 
eliminated. Every Member of Congress earns a generous salary. It's more 
than enough to live on and serve the interests of the people who are 
paying it--the taxpayers.
  So, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in taking the pledge 
to do away with gifts from lobbyists. Support the gift ban and get back 
to work for the people who sent us here.

                          ____________________