Statement of Gary Kalman, CALPIRG Democracy Advocate
The new Congress has taken its first critical steps in changing the way
business is done in Washington. CALPIRG applauds the action taken by
the House this evening on the first pieces of the House rules package.
Speaker Pelosi and the leadership deserve significant credit for
bringing meaningful proposals to the floor. The overwhelming support
for new restrictions on lobbyist-funded trips and gifts send a powerful
message that the new Congress is taking the need for reform seriously.
This
is a sea-change from the ill-conceived and ineffectual bill considered
and passed by the House during the scandal plagued session last year.
These
first steps are encouraging and we look forward to working with all
members of the House on additional necessary reforms. Among the changes
left to be considered, the most important is the establishment of an
independent enforcement entity. The House Ethics Committee continues to
prove its inability to hold members accountable for ethical
transgressions. The vote tonight suggests that even some of the most
skeptical members of Congress now understand and appreciate the
public's frustration with the status quo.
We
urge the Senate to adopt these measures and show the same commitment to
limiting the influence of powerful interests across the Congress.
