Democrats who campaigned successfully last year against a “culture of corruption” in the Republican-controlled Congress found themselves one-upped today when more than 30 of their own members voted for a GOP motion to strengthen the package.
By 228-192, the House adopted a motion by Lamar Smith, R-Texas, to recommit the first of two lobbying bills – a measure requiring quarterly disclosure by lobbyists of bundled contributions to candidates and party units – to broaden the disclosure requirement to cover bundled donations to other PACs as well…
The leadership and other veteran House Democrats have taken a beating in recent days in newspaper editorials, talk radio shows and Internet blogs for backing away from tougher ethics measures. House Republicans have been hammering them as well, and are relishing the chance to create mischief on the House floor.
Meanwhile on Iraq, the House has voted to begin debate on legislation to fund the war. That legislation will also be passed primarily with Republican votes. Democrats are saying that the final legislation was not available for members to read for themselves until this morning because they were up late last night making concessions to the White House:
A $120 billion fiscal 2007 Iraq War supplemental spending bill was expected to pass the House this afternoon after lawmakers made last-minute changes dictated by the White House.
Although Republicans grumbled about not having a chance to review the final text until this morning, House Appropriations Chairman David R. Obey, D-Wis., said they should direct their fire elsewhere.
“We made a number of changes in response to White House requests as late as 10 o’clock last night,” he told the House.
It’s ironic that Democrats will finally enact major legislation, but only with major help from Republicans. Perhaps when Congress returns from its Memorial Day recess, Democrats will apply this lesson and try to promote a more bipartisan approach to legislation.
