Statement of Janet Domenitz, Executive Director,
MASSPIRG
MASSPIRG applauds yesterday’s House vote on lobby and ethics
reform. The bill represents a momentous step toward reining in the special
access and influence exerted by powerful interests in Washington. It is
without question the most significant change to the rules in a
generation.
The legislation pulls back the curtain on previously
secretive practices in Congress that benefit narrow special interests. For the
first time, legislators will have to disclose the names of lobbyists who bundle
campaign contributions. There is meaningful and effective disclosure and
accountability in the earmarking process. There are stronger conflict of
interest and disclosure rules for when members are negotiating for private
sector jobs and an extension of the revolving door rules for when members leave
Congress. This landmark legislation challenges the culture in Washington.
Speaker Pelosi and Reps. Chris Van Hollen and Rahm
Emanuel deserve special recognition for their leadership and tireless efforts to
ensure that the bill retained strong, meaningful
reform.
MASSPIRG now calls on the Senate to adopt the bill
without any changes. The bill that returns to the Senate is stronger in several
areas than the one they already passed with strong bipartisan support. Efforts
to derail the bill at this juncture cannot be done in the name of protecting the
public. We must not lose this historic opportunity for change to partisan
infighting.
