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Politics
Senate approves lobbying reform legislation


The Senate voted 90-8 on Wednesday to approve lobbying reform legislation that requires disclosure of grassroots activities, imposes more frequent reporting by lobbyists and bars lawmakers from receiving gifts and meals from lobbyists.

Among the eight who voted no were Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), who called the bill "weak." Also voting no was Sen. Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma), who said it didn't go far enough to address corruption in Washington. Both are members of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, with McCain serving as chairman.

The House has yet to take up its own reform proposal due to disagreements among Republicans, some of whom don't think the system needs to be revamped while seeking to clamp down on tribal political activities.

Get the Story:
Senate Passes Lobbying Bill (The Washington Post 3/30)
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Senate Approves Lobbying Limits by Wide Margin (The New York Times 6/30)
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Text of Amendments:
Tribal-Related Amendments to Lobbying Reform Bill (March 24, 2006)

Senate Lobbying Reform Bill:
Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act of 2006 (S.2349) | Section-by-Section Summary

Other Lobbying Reform Bills:
Sen. McCain: Lobbying Transparency and Accountability Act of 2005 (S.2128) | Sen. McCain: Reducing Conflicts of Interests in the Representation of Indian Tribes Act of 2005 (S.1312)

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