Jan. 19, 2007 -- Senate Passage of Lobbying & Ethics Reform Bill: Statement of Meredith McGehee, Campaign Legal Center Policy Director

We are both relieved and pleased that the ethics and lobbying reform bill passed the Senate tonight. Clearly the American people are not willing to accept the status quo and the message they delivered on Election Day was heard by their elected officials. Senate Majority Leader Reid is to be commended for his leadership and perseverance in passing this bill in the face of stiff opposition that was not limited to just one side of the aisle. Senators Russell Feingold (D-WI) and Barak Obama (D-IL) merit special attention for their steadfast support of real reform over the window dressing offered by some of their colleagues.

Obviously we are disappointed that Senate voted against the amendment to create an Office of Public Integrity, but there was no surprise in the outcome. With more time and education, we are hopeful that both houses of Congress will come to recognize how vital a more independent, professional enforcement entity is to regaining the trust of the American people in their elected officials in Washington.

We look forward to a strong House lobbying bill and expect to revisit some of the issues such as the "Astroturf" lobbying disclosure provisions. And we hope all members of Congress who support real reform will remain vigilant against the inevitable attempts to drop key elements in a House-Senate conference.

The vote by the Senate tonight was a marked change from last year's feeble and insincere attempt at lobby and ethics reform. The final vote tally reflects the fact that the Senate recognizes just how important it is to reassure constituents that it will no longer be business as usual in Washington.

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