[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 5 (Wednesday, January 22, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S651]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

      By Mr. McCAIN:
  S. 198. A bill to prohibit campaign expenditures for services of 
lobbyists, and for other purposes; to the Committee on Rules and 
Administration.


           THE LOBBYING CONFLICT OF INTEREST ELIMINATION ACT

  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President today I am introducing legislation entitled 
the ``Lobbying Conflict of Interest Elimination Act.'' This bill would 
ban a candidate or a candidate's authorized committee from paying 
registered lobbyists for political services. Additionally, the bill 
would mandate that any political contributions made by a registered 
lobbyist be reported by such individual when he or she files his or her 
lobbying disclosure report as mandated in the Lobbying Disclosure Act.
  In the last Congress, we were successful in passing legislation that 
bans gifts from lobbyists to Members and staff in order to put a wall 
between lobbyists who seek to curry special favor by the giving of 
gifts. Unfortunately, a loophole allows lobbyists to serve as 
fundraisers for Members of Congress, which could result in an increase 
in their influence.
  Mr. President, this practice must stop. Registered lobbyists who work 
for campaigns as fundraisers clearly represent a conflict of interest. 
When a campaign employs an individual who also lobbies that Member, the 
perception of undue and unfair influence is raised. This legislation 
would stop such practices.
  The two important changes made by this legislation represent a 
substantial effort to close any loopholes that exist in our lobbying 
and gift laws. The Congress has begun to make great strides to restore 
the public's confidence in this institution. We must continue that good 
work.
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