[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 190 (Thursday, November 30, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2267]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        LOBBYING REFORM: FINALLY

                                 ______


                         HON. THOMAS M. BARRETT

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 30, 1995

  Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, in the last 2 weeks, we have 
witnessed an incredible change in the balance of power here in 
Washington. The influence of lobbyists is declining, and the layer of 
wealthy special interests that shields the American people from their 
elected officials has begun to disappear.
  On November 16, the House adopted a rule prohibiting Members and 
staff from accepting almost all gifts. And yesterday, we unanimously 
passed a Senate bill requiring increased disclosure by those who are 
paid to lobby Congress and the executive branch. This bill, the first 
substantial change in lobbying disclosure requirements in 50 years, now 
goes to the President for his signature.
  Up until the final vote, however, the lobbying bill was in grave 
danger of death by amendment. Senate passage of the tough new 
requirements in July represented a hard-fought compromise painstakingly 
crafted by Members of both parties. In the House, some Members were not 
satisfied and proposed to amend the bill, knowing that the adoption of 
any amendments would send the measure back to the Senate and would 
threaten that body's fragile compromise. In other words, amending the 
bill would mean the end of lobbying reform.
  During consideration of the bill in the House, I voted against each 
of the four amendments that was offered. Most of them have merit, and 
under different circumstances would win my support. But on this 
occasion, I joined a majority of my colleagues in demanding that a 
clean bill be passed and sent on to the President.
  Last year, both the House and Senate passed similar lobbying reform 
bills, but the effort was derailed in conference by those who opposed 
the cause of reform. For that reason, it was imperative to avoid a 
conference this time around. The Senate sent us a good bill, and I am 
delighted that we passed it unanimously without change. Once the 
President signs it, this chapter in the history of reform will be 
complete.

                          ____________________