[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 16]
[House]
[Page 21753]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                            LOBBYING REFORM

  (Mr. EMANUEL asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute.)
  Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, last year, we promised to break the link 
between lobbyists and legislators here in Washington and to 
fundamentally change the culture of corruption that has become accepted 
practice here. This new law is on the doorstep of becoming law.
  Today, we will pass this bill that fixes an institutional problem 
with an institutional solution. Our bill mandates unprecedented 
disclosure of lobbying activities and turns the spotlight on special 
interests who have grown too comfortable with their special access.
  Most importantly, our legislation levels the playing field between 
the special interests and the voters. When the gavel comes down on the 
Speaker's podium, it is intended to open the people's House, not the 
auction house.
  The American people, and not paid lobbyists on behalf of the special 
interests, should have access to their government 365 days a year. 
Election day should not just be a formality.
  Now the Senate must do its work and pass this legislation. Americans 
have waited long enough for this Congress to pass real lobbying reform. 
It is time to turn this bill into law and give the American people a 
government as good as its people.

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