[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 188 (Tuesday, November 28, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2250-E2251]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES GIFT REFORM ACT

                                 ______


                               speech of

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 16, 1995

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my strong support for 
the gift ban legislation before the House, House Resolution 250.
  Twice during the 103d Congress, this House approved similar gift ban 
legislation by solid bipartisan majorities only to see these measures 
stalled by filibusters in the other body. I am pleased that the 
Leadership has seen fit to allow us to consider this important 
bipartisan 

[[Page E 2251]]
legislation offered by Representatives Shays, Meehan, and Barrett.
  H. Res. 250 would limit the total value of gifts that a Member or 
staff member could receive to $100 from any one source; only gifts 
costing more than $10 would count toward this limit.
  Furthermore, no Member or staff member could accept an individual 
gift, including meals or entertainment, that costs more than $50. These 
provisions would cover all employees of the House, including employees 
of Members, committees, joint committees, and Leadership offices.
  By contrast, the substitute offered by Representative Burton is a 
washed-out version of congressional gift reform. Under the Burton 
substitute, Members could still accept lobbyist trips, go to golf 
tournaments free of charge, and accept gifts up to $250.
  My colleagues, let's take a stand in favor of real gift reform. Vote 
``yes'' on H. Res. 250 and ``no'' on the Burton substitute.

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