Is Lobbying Reform DOA?

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Even before Jack Abramoff pled guilty to bribery, both houses of Congress were promising lobby reform. That was then; this is now. The Senate has shelved its version, and the House proposal does not rise to the standard set by Speaker Dennis Hastert at the height of the scandal. Lobbyists tell reporters it would be only a "nuisance." Have Congressional leaders decided that voters don't care as long as their Congressmen bring home the bacon? Will the ethics issue make any difference in this year's elections? We compare what was offered originally to what's been produced--and what's likely to pass, with journalists, consumer-rights advocates, political analysts and two Republican Congressmen, including one appointed by Speaker Dennis Hastert to oversee lobby reform.
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Bush press conference on victory in Iraq

President Bush defends War on Terror, Operation Iraqi Freedom

Pork-Barrel Reduction Act (S 2265)

Lobbying Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006 (HR 4975)

Export Freedom to Cuba Act of 2003 (HR 2071)

House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct

Birnbaum's article on lobbyists seeing reform rules as

DHS Secretary Chertoff's remarks on dangers of chemical plants

Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Act of 2005 (S 2145)

Credits

Host:

Warren Olney