[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 65 (Monday, May 20, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E855]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            INTRODUCING A BILL REGARDING PRESIDENTIAL GIFTS

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                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 20, 2002

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce a bill to help 
eliminate the appearance of quid-pro-quos that always arise when the 
President accepts a gift.
  The President of the United States accepts over 15,000 gifts every 
year on behalf of the people of the United States. These gifts are 
expressions of goodwill and a sign of respect for the office of the 
Presidency. Surprisingly, the President may accept gifts from citizens 
with little government oversight.
  Federal employees who receive gifts must abide by the Ethics Reform 
Act of 1989. Representatives and Senators must follow the code of 
ethics established by their respective Ethic Committees. The President 
should have a similar code regarding all domestic gifts.
  My bill will cover the President and First Lady by the gift rules 
currently used by Senators. Under my bill, the President or the spouse 
of the President may accept a gift that has a value of less than $50. 
Other gifts will be accepted on behalf of the United States and will be 
treated as the property of the people of the United States.
  I urge my colleagues to cosponsor this bill and help eliminate even 
the appearance of impropriety that could come from accepting gifts.

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