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Grassroots Lobbying Reform
Since the 110th Congress convened in January, the House of Representatives has considered a number of measures to strengthen ethics rules for members of Congress and to reform the way lobbyists and lawmakers interact.  I have always believed that elected officials, whether at the federal, state, or local level, have a special responsibility to uphold and maintain the public trust.  As such, I have been proud to support a number of these reforms.

When Congress considers legislation to restrict unethical behavior by lobbyists, however, we must be careful to avoid any action that would prevent the American people from contacting their elected representatives and making their voice heard in Washington, D.C.  That is why I opposed a damaging provision included in the first draft of the lobbying reform bill that would have required "grassroots lobbyists" to file extensive disclosure reports with the federal government.

"Grassroots lobbying" means any effort to encourage voters to contact their members of Congress and share their views on issues facing the federal government.  Under the proposed disclosure requirement, citizen activists would have been forced to report their financial activities to the government.  I believe this would have a chilling effect on the fundamental rights enjoyed by U.S. citizens.  Fortunately, a public outcry compelled the Senate to strike the grassroots lobbying provision by a vote of 55-43, and the House to consider a lobbying reform bill that did not include the provision at all.

On May 24, the House of Representatives passed a lobbying reform bill after approving a motion by House Republicans to strengthen the bill by adding requirements that lobbyists publicly report more information about their role in raising funds for congressional campaigns, that they disclose any earmark requests they make on their clients' behalf, and that government lobbyists follow the same ethics rules as private-sector lobbyists.  I will continue to support efforts to increase transparency and accountability in government, while opposing ill-conceived proposals that could limit opportunities for Americans to contact their representatives in Congress.