On their first day in control of Congress, Democrats are introducing a lobbying and ethics reform package.

Among other provisions, the bill will ban gifts and trips from lobbyists and restrict privately funded junkets. It will require more disclosure of earmarks in all types of bills, not just appropriations [Fact Sheet 1 | Fact Sheet 2].

Democrats are acting in response to the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal, which defrauded tribes of millions of dollars and has sent several people, including a Republican Congressman, to prison. They are also responding to public disapproval of earmarks, or "pork" projects.

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House Democrats Prepare To Tighten Lobbyist Rules (The Washington Post 1/4)
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