Yesterday it seemed House Democrats would punt on ethics reform. But today the wind is shifting. Apparently Dems have decided not to go home this Memorial Day weekend without something to show their constituents (besides a much-delayed Iraq bill favored by the president). A major problem in organizing the debate is the fact that Democrats are taking in too much lobbyist-arranged cash to want to limit it:
When the House debates ethics legislation today, it will have to tackle “bundling”–whereby lobbyists like Elmendorf arrange contributions–separately:
In preparing for the vote, Democrats blocked Republican efforts to offer as many as 13 more amendments. (The committee report summarizes the amendments and the votes). Among the amendments rejected: * random audits of lobbyist disclosures, with criminal referrals for lawbreaking; * blocking convicted felons from registering as lobbyists, * prohibiting the use of federal funds for lobbying for earmarks; * establishing an independent, outside entity to investigate corruption by Members of Congress; and, * preventing diplomats and CIA chiefs from lobbying for certain foreign governments. These seem commonsensical. Why are House Dems blocking debate?
