MEASURE ESTABLISHES MORE STRINGENT LOBBYING AND ETHICS RULES

Washington, Jul 31, 2007 - "As public servants, members of Congress are accountable to the people we represent," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala).  "Congress needs to enhance transparency and increase disclosures so the public can evaluate our legislative actions.  This measure is an important step toward reforming the way we operate in Washington."  Stearns joined the House in approving S. 1, the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act. 
Explained Stearns, "S. 1 requires that funding requests, commonly called earmarks, include justifications for the spending and certification that the provisions will not benefit lawmakers or their family members.  It also requires lobbyists to file quarterly disclosures of new clients, imposes a one-year lobbying ban on House members and two-year ban on Senators, and includes stricter disclosures of campaign contributions.  In addition, the measure would end pensions for members convicted of crimes connected with their congressional office."