FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 26, 2006

CONTACT: Brendan Daly/Jennifer Crider 202-226-7616

Pelosi: Republicans Are Missing an Opportunity to Offer Real Lobbying Reform

Washington, D.C.– House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement tonight on the need for comprehensive lobbying reform:

“Once again, Republicans are missing an opportunity to offer real lobbying reform and end their culture of corruption, which is costing the American people with higher prices at the gas pump and at the pharmacy.

“Republicans don’t follow the rules they have; Congress needs more than rules to change the way business is done in Washington.  What is needed now is a comprehensive lobbying reform bill that severs the ties between Congress and the special interests, and meaningfully addresses earmarks.

“In January, 162 Democrats joined me in introducing such a bill – the Honest Leadership, Open Government Act.  Democrats’ legislation would bring full accountability and transparency to all earmarks, those in authorization bills as well as those in appropriation bills; require full disclosure of all lobbying activities; end cronyism and corruption in government contracting; ban gifts and travel provided by lobbyists and organizations that retain or employ them; and ban travel on corporate jets.

“Democrats stand committed to a New Direction that restores integrity to a Congress that works for all Americans, not the special interests.”

“ Democrats are united in presenting a New Direction for America, one that will make our nation as strong as its people, one that brings opportunity, security, and prosperity to all Americans. ”

Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi