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Politics
House approves lobbying reform legislation


The House voted 217-213 on Wednesday to approve its version of lobbying reform.

The bill requires more disclosure by lobbyists. Reports must be filed quarterly instead of twice a year. Other limits are placed on Congressional travel and fundraising by nonprofit political groups.

The bill requires disclosure of earmarks in appropriations bills. The member of Congress seeking the money must include his or her name. The Senate is considering earmark reform as well.

The House and Senate versions of the bill are different. Both were watered down despite pledges by top Republicans to change the way Washington works in the wake of the Jack Abramoff scandal.

Get the Story:
House Lobbying Rules Call for More Disclosure (The Washington Post 5/4)
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Lobbying Bill Passes Narrowly in House (The New York Times 5/4)
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House Vote Stiffens Rules on Lobbyists (The Los Angeles Times 5/4)
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To Earmarking Senators, Veto Seems to Spell Vote (The Washington Post 5/4)
Major Provisions of the Lobbying Bill (AP 5/3)

House Reform Bill:
Lobbying Accountability and Transparency Act (H.R.4975)

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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