Chabot Leads Charge to Strengthen Lobbying Reform Bill

Press Release

Chabot Leads Charge to Strengthen Lobbying Reform Bill

During today's House debate of the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act, Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH) offered a motion to recommit the bill in order to add provisions that strengthen the legislation and bring meaningful reform to Congress. Chabot's proposal passed the House 346 to 71.

"It is essential that we enact tough legislation that restores integrity and transparency to the federal government," Chabot stated. "We need strict ethical guidelines for all members of Congress and those seeking to influence legislation. We must raise the standards above and beyond current law to ensure that the public's trust is upheld."

While the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act contains many provisions to increase accountability in Congress, Chabot was concerned that the legislation did not go far enough to restore integrity to Congress.

Chabot's motion amends House rules to forbid members and staff from accepting gifts from lobbyists of state and local governments - a well-publicized loophole under House rules. In addition, the Chabot motion prohibits any congressional employee who previously worked as a lobbyist from communicating with their old lobbying firm and clients for one year, mandates quarterly reports and full disclosure for registered lobbyists who bundle campaign contributions, and requires lobbyists to publicly disclose the bills and earmarks they are working to support.

Chabot has been a longtime leader in advocating greater transparency in Congress -- serving as an original cosponsor of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. Chabot was also one of only 12 Republicans to vote with Democrats in 2006 for stronger lobbying and ethics rules. During consideration that year, he voted against a restrictive rule in an effort to have more open debate and joined Democrats in supporting additional reform measures.

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