May 3, 2006 -- Statement of Campaign Legal Center Policy Director Meredith McGehee on House Passage of H.R. 4975, The Lobbying Accountability and Transparency Act

Today's vote by the House to pass H.R. 4975, the Lobbying Transparency and Accountability Act of 2006, is a grave disappointment. This bill in no way constitutes meaningful reform and should in fact be called the Sham Lobbying Reform Act of 2006. This measure was a cynical exercise aimed at providing House members political cover for the fall elections. Given the weak lobbying reform bill passed by the Senate, the chances of enacting meaningful lobbying reform in the 109^th Congress are slim.

The Campaign Legal Center commends those Members who opposed this measure. We would particularly like to recognize the leadership of Representatives Christopher Shays (R-CT) and Marty Meehan (D-MA) for their efforts in promoting real reform. The Legal Center will continue to work for stronger, more effective lobbying laws and ethics rules.