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For Immediate Release: May 24, 2007
Sutton Continues Fight to End Culture of Corruption in Washington
Congresswoman Betty Sutton helps pass package of reform measures to restore the public trust in government
Washington, D.C. - Today, Congresswoman Betty Sutton worked to pass a
package of lobbying reforms to end the pay-to-play culture of
corruption that has dominated Congress under Republican control.
Congress passed H.R. 2316, the Honest Leadership, Open Government Act
of 2007, by a vote of 396-22, and H.R. 2317, the Lobbying Transparency
Act, by a vote of 382-37.
"In our fight to change the climate of excess that flourished under
Republican leadership, it is clear that we must take further action.
We must continue to eradicate the pay-to-play culture that has
pervaded and all-too-often undermined lawmaking in the Congress. We
must expose and eliminate the strings and coziness that have in the
past resulted in policies by the special interests for the special
interests. We must end the culture of corruption so we can remain
focused and truly tend to the people's business," Sutton said.
"When lobbying laws and congressional rules are violated, the American
people suffer. They suffer in policy. And, they suffer in spirit. They
are cheated out of their right to proper representation. The action we
are taking today provides for greater punishment for the violation of
these laws by those who are willing to betray the public trust. When
Americans went to the polls last November, they sent a clear message
that they are concerned about the state of government. I have long
believed that what people truly want from their elected representative
is someone who understands their concerns and who will try as hard as
they can on their behalf. The American people want to know that we are
here for them, not for lobbyists, not for special interests, and not
for self-interest. They deserve nothing less."
The Honest Leadership, Open Government Act increases accountability by
requiring lobbyists to disclose any contributions they make to
lawmakers, including contributions to charities run by Members of
Congress, events or organizations honoring a Member of Congress, and
contributions meant to pay for a meeting or retreat. It also requires
lobbyists to file official reports more frequently and creates an
online, searchable public database so the American public can see
lobbyist contributions and hold Members of Congress accountable.
"When I ran to represent Ohio's 13th District, I made it clear that I
wanted to go to Congress to help change the way business was being done
in Washington and to restore the public trust. Safeguarding the public
trust is not a part time job. It must always remain uppermost in our
hearts and minds. It requires observation of current rules and it
requires legislative action to cure problems that persist. Today we
take the next step to bring the cleansing light of day to political
financial contributions and reduce the potential for shady lobbying
practices."
"This bill focuses on sanitizing the relationship that lobbyists have
with Congress. Through increased public disclosure, we will shed much
needed light on the money trail from lobbyists to Capitol Hill," Sutton
said.
Additionally, the Honest Leadership, Open Government Act will crack
down on the revolving door between Congress and lobbying firms by
requiring current Members of Congress to disclose any negotiations for
post-Congressional employment and to step aside from official business
that may pose a conflict of interest. This bill also increases
criminal and civil penalties for lobbying violations. The legislation
also takes steps to increase transparency in lobbying by requiring
lobbyists to disclose past employment in Congress or in the Executive
Branch, and by banning a lobbyists married to a Member of Congress to
meet with their spouse's staff.
The Lobbying Transparency Act requires lobbyists who solicit
contributions from numerous donors and present them collectively to a
Member of Congress, a practice known as "bundling," to meet strict
reporting and disclosure guidelines.
"Our bills give the American people a window into the practices and
fundraising activities of lobbyists," Sutton said. "This Democratic
Congress is working to restore and ensure the trust of our
constituents. We have made significant progress today, but we cannot
stop here. We must continue onward, taking necessary actions to
restore the trust of those we are here to serve and eliminate the
corruption that we witnessed during the last Congress."
Contact: Ian Mandel at 202-225-3401
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Jan. 9 - Ryan & Sutton become advocates for Mt. McKinley (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
Jan. 9 - 'OUR VIEW' EDITORIAL: Local congressional raises put to good use (Lorain Morning Journal)
Dec. 9 - Most Ohio lawmakers behind wheels of domestic cars (Columbus Dispatch)
Dec. 11 - Automaker bailout survives House vote (Akron Beacon Journal)
Dec. 10 - Sutton moves to Energy and Commerce Committee (Cleveland Plain Dealer)
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