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