[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 183 (Friday, November 17, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2211]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES GIFT REFORM ACT

                                 ______


                               speech of

                        HON. WILLIAM J. MARTINI

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 16, 1995

  Mr. MARTINI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Gingrich 
amendment to the Gift Ban Reform Act.
  We were elected to Congress to conduct the peoples' business. We were 
not elected to feed at the trough of the Gucci clad lobbyists and 
special interests that dominate our Nation's Capitol.
  If Members of Congress want to enjoy fine dining, golf excursions, 
and exotic vacations, then they should be willing to pick up the tab.
  The American people have grown sick and tired of perks and privileges 
extended to Members of Congress.
  Our constituents do not receive unsolicited gifts and meals and 
neither should we.
  By eliminating the potential for corruption and perception of 
impropriety, House Resolution 250 will help to restore the American 
peoples trust in elected officials and the Congress.
  It's time to clean up this institution and restore the public 
confidence in our Nation's leaders.
  We have a moral imperative to hold ourselves to a higher standard of 
conduct then practices of the past.
  The American people have demanded a Federal Government that is open 
and accountable. We need to assure them that all citizens, not just 
special interest and lobby groups will have access to elected 
officials.
  By passing the Gingrich proposal, we can demonstrate our sincerity 
and dedication to ensuring that congressional activities are conducted 
honorably and legitimately.
  The overwhelming majority of my colleagues are sincere, hard working, 
and dedicated public servants. I am not of the opinion that Members of 
this body are bought and sold over a dinner or golf outing.
  However, by eliminating gifts we remove all doubt of impropriety and 
wrongdoing.
  In my opinion this is all about trust and perception. By banning all 
gifts and junkets, we can prove to our constituents and to the American 
people that we are, in fact, sincere about cleaning up Congress.
  I urge my colleagues to support the Gingrich proposal.

                          ____________________