May 17, 2007 -- Lobbying Reform Bill Markup: Statement of Meredith McGehee, Campaign Legal Center Policy Director

With today's action in the House Judiciary Committee, the full House should be ready to act on lobby disclosure reform legislation before the Memorial Day recess. While it was disappointing that the revolving door provisions increasing the "cooling off" period for Members of Congress and senior staff from one to two years were stripped from this bill, it was hardly surprising. Over the last several weeks, a growing number of Members from both parties had become increasingly vocal behind closed doors in their opposition to this provision, which is included in the Senate-passed bill.

The lobby disclosure reform measure must still go through House floor consideration and a conference with the Senate so it is premature at this moment to make a final judgment on the product. A key test for the Democratic leadership will be whether they can garner the votes to incorporate strong bundling disclosure provisions in the bill passed by the House. Bundling of campaign contributions by lobbyists a key part of the pay-to-play system that still reigns in Washington.

There remain rumblings by some Democratic Members that they might vote against the rule which establishes the procedures for considering the lobbying bill. Such a move would allow Members to derail the bill while avoiding a public vote directly on the underlying substantive issues such as bundling. A vote against the rule will be a vote for the status quo and against reform.

On the lobby reform bill, the Democratic leadership in Congress is facing the test of whether they will make good on their promises to "drain the swamp" in Washington. If they do so, it may be with many Members in the caucus kicking and screaming.