Rep. Tierney Slams GOP So-Called ‘Reform' Bill, Supports ‘Real Comprehensive' Reform Package and Calls for Public Financing of Campaigns

Rep. Tierney Slams GOP So-Called ‘Reform' Bill, Supports ‘Real Comprehensive' Reform Package and Calls for Public Financing of Campaigns

Today, Congressman John F. Tierney (D-Salem) strongly criticized the Republican's so-called "lobbying reform" bill (H.R. 4975) because it fails to curb the undue influence of lobbyists and special interest groups and curtail other abuses of power that are pervasive under the Republican's leadership on Capitol Hill. Further, the Republican Leadership in Congress blocked every significant Democratic amendment that would have made the bill stronger and initiate much-needed reform. The bill passed by a vote of 217-213.

"The American people have lost faith in Congress and the need for reform is abundantly clear. Instead of restoring the American people's trust in the political process, I agree with the overwhelming number of editorial boards across the country - the Republicans' reform package is a total sham," said Congressman Tierney.

The Republican's bill fails to ban Members from receiving gifts or meals from lobbyists and organizations that retain or employ them; it fails to prevent former Members of Congress and other former government officials from using special access to the House floor to lobby on behalf of outside parties (corporations, organizations, interests, etc.) during votes; and, it fails to address the rampant procedural abuses in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Congressman Tierney has been an outspoken supporter of reform by supporting a much stronger lobbying reform proposal offered by the Democrats. He is also the author of the Clean Money, Clean Elections Act (H.R. 3099), which is a bill he has filed since 1997.

"Any reform proposal must be coupled with campaign finance reform in order to affect meaningful change in Washington by curtailing the influence of special interest money on political campaigns as well as policy-making," added Congressman Tierney.

The Clean Money, Clean Elections Act would establish a voluntary public campaign finance system that gives candidates the option to forego private campaign contributions in exchange for a set amount of public resources and reduced broadcast advertisement rates upon acceptance of self-imposed limits on campaign expenditures.

"We need to change the way business is done on Capitol Hill and Democrats in Congress have offered proposals that would achieve that goal. Regrettably, we have been shut out of the process," said Congressman Tierney.

http://www.house.gov/tierney/press/lobbyingreform05032006.shtml