[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 181 (Wednesday, November 15, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2183]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          GIFT BAN LEGISLATION

                                 ______


                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 15, 1995

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 
support of legislation sponsored by my Texas colleague, Representative 
John Bryant, to require lobbyists to register with the House and Senate 
and make conforming changes to the Rules of the House of 
Representatives with regard to restrictions on gifts given by 
lobbyists. In light of my support of this legislation, I have agreed to 
sign a discharge petition to bring this legislation to the floor of the 
House for consideration.
  In the past, I have not signed discharge petitions. It is my belief 
that such devices are generally harmful to the legislative process, as 
they call for the avoidance of the committee system which serves our 
Government well. However, because of the majority's disdain for that 
very process, and the lack of consideration given to the attempts to 
bring the legislation before the appropriate committees for action, 
this extreme step has become necessary. Therefore, I will add my name 
to those seeking to bring the legislation before the House.
  Additionally, Mr. Speaker, I have added my name as a cosponsor to 
House Resolution 264, legislation sponsored by Republican 
Representative Burton. This bill, which I hope will be up for a vote 
this week on the floor of the House, would require greater disclosure 
of gifts given to Members of Congress. I support the bill as a 
bipartisan solution to the need for comprehensive gift legislation. 
Under the Burton bill, Members are required to disclose all gifts and 
meals received which are worth more than $50. The bill makes other 
appropriate changes to the Rules of the House regarding this issue.

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