House overwhelmingly approves Ethics Bill 411-8 approval

[L. Coyote]

House overwhelmingly approves Ethics Bill
By Richard Simon, Los Angeles Times-Washington Post
Published: August 02, 2007, 00:33
http://www.gulfnews.com/world/U.S.A/10143537.html


Washington: In the most sweeping overhaul of congressional ethics rules since the Watergate era, the House overwhelmingly approved a Bill aimed at curbing the influence of lobbyists and repairing Congress' image. ....

The Bill would impose new rules on lawmakers and lobbyists, requiring reports on the campaign cheques that lobbyists solicit from contributors and denying congressional pensions to lawmakers convicted of felonies......

"If there was one message that was abundantly clear based on the results of last year's election, it was that the American people want us to end the culture of corruption that has enveloped the legislative process," said Representative John Conyers Jr, Democrat from Michigan, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. "We've heard that message loud and clear."

The Bill's 411-8 approval comes after two former Republican lawmakers -- Representative Randy "Duke" Cunningham of California and Representative Bob Ney of Ohio - and former lobbyist Jack Abramoff were sent to prison on corruption charges. ....

[Demeter]

1. Denying Pensions to Convicted Felons

about time for that--better have something about no pardon from the Pres, just to make it work.

[L. Coyote]

5. Just room and board

:rofl:

[opihimoimoi]

2. So....who is the IDIOT 8...are they Dems? Pubs? Who would vote against this BILL?

[That Is Quite Enough]

3. Unfortunately...

From: http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/18571.html

"Six Democrats and two Republicans voted against it, including Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., a defense appropriator and legendary earmarker, and Rep. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., a critic of the earmarking process who saw the reforms as weak."

[opihimoimoi]

8. I sure would like to hear Murthas remarks re this bill...

[L. Coyote]

4. delete

[marions ghost]

6. OK what's the catch....

how come all those repugs like this bill? Must be no good.

Anybody know?

[OzarkDem]

7. Another quality "bipartisan" bill

e.g. Dems (and the public) get hoodwinked again.

[partylessinOhio]

9. This bill was discussed on CSpan this am, and is so full of loopholes

that it will do little to change the dynamics between Congress members and the lobbiests.

When it all comes to light, people will act shocked but for now it is vacation time and the players must recess.

[marions ghost]

10. I figured that

just a little nod to "ethics", meanwhile bidness as usual.