Lobbying Transparency and Accountability Act of 2006 - Title I: Enhancing Lobbying Disclosure - (Sec. 101) Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) to require: (1) quarterly instead of semiannual filing of lobbying disclosures reports; (2) an annual report on registered lobbyists' contributions; (3) maintenance of certain lobbying disclosure information in an electronic database, available to the public free of charge over the Internet; (4) disclosure by registered lobbyists of all past executive and congressional employment; and (5) disclosure of registered lobbyists' payments or reimbursements for travel and related expenses of covered legislative and executive branch officials.
(Sec. 106) Increases from $50,000 to $100,000 the penalty for failure to comply with lobbying disclosure requirements.
(Sec. 107) Revises requirements for the contents of lobbyist registrations, particularly disclosure of the identity of any organization, other than the client, that contributes over $10,000 toward the registrant's lobbying activities in a semiannual period, and participates in a substantial way (currently, in whole or in major part) in the planning, supervision, or control of such lobbying activities. Waives such disclosure if it is publicly available knowledge that the organization is affiliated with the client, or has been publicly disclosed to have provided funding to the client, unless the organization in whole or in major part plans, supervises or controls such lobbying activities.
Provides that nothing in such disclosure requirement shall be construed to require disclosure of any information about individuals who are members of, or donors to, an entity treated as a client or its identified organization.
(Sec. 108) Requires the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives to provide, semiannually, to specified congressional committees the aggregate number of lobbyists and lobbying firms, separately accounted, referred to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia for LDA noncompliance.
Requires the U.S. Attorney to report, semiannually, to such committees on the aggregate number of enforcement actions taken by the Attorney's office under the LDA and the amount of fines, if any, by case, but not the names of individuals or personally identifiable information.
(Sec. 109) Requires mandatory lobbyist reports to be filed electronically, in addition to any other form required.
(Sec. 110) Includes among lobbying activities any paid efforts to stimulate grassroots lobbying, but excludes grassroots lobbying itself.
Defines "grassroots lobbying" as the voluntary efforts of members of the general public to communicate their own views on an issue to federal officials or to encourage other members of the general public to do the same.
Defines "grassroots lobbying firm" as a person or entity that: (1) is retained by one or more clients to engage in paid efforts to stimulate grassroots lobbying on behalf of such clients; and (2) receives income of, or spends or agrees to spend, an aggregate of $25,000 or more for such efforts in any quarterly period.
Excludes paid efforts to stimulate grassroots lobbying from the exemption from the registration requirement (thus, requiring LDA registration for such activities, regardless of low income or expenses).
Requires registration of a grassroots lobbying firm within 45 days after it is first retained by a client to engage in paid efforts to stimulate grassroots lobbying.
Modifies requirements for the contents of reports by a registered lobbying firm or individual to require separate itemization of total income or expenses relating to paid efforts to stimulate grassroots lobbying (including advertising).
Exempts reports relating to paid efforts to stimulate grassroots lobbying activities from LDA requirements for: (1) a statement about the chambers of Congress and federal agencies contacted by lobbyists employed by the registrant on behalf of the client; and (2) a list of the registrant's employees who acted as lobbyists on behalf of the client.
Modifies requirements for the estimate of income or expenses of registered lobbyists to specify different requirements for estimates relating to paid efforts to stimulate grassroots lobbying.
Revises requirements for such estimates based on the tax reporting system with respect to such paid efforts.
Title II: Oversight of Ethics and Lobbying - (Sec. 201) Requires the Comptroller General to audit and report to Congress annually on lobbying registration and reports for LDA compliance or noncompliance by lobbyists and their clients.
(Sec. 202) Requires the Select Committee on Ethics to conduct ongoing ethics training and awareness programs for Members of the Senate and Senate staff.
(Sec. 203) Expresses the sense of the Senate that the lobbying community should develop proposals for multiple self-regulatory organizations which could provide for: (1) creation of standards for the organizations appropriate to the type of lobbying and individuals to be served; (2) training for the lobbying community on law, ethics, reporting requirements, and disclosure requirements; (3) development of educational materials for the public on how to hire a lobbyist or lobby firm responsibly; (4) standards regarding reasonable fees to clients; (5) creation of a third-party certification program that includes ethics training; and (6) disclosure of requirements to clients regarding fee schedules and conflict of interest rules.
(Sec. 204) Requires the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct and the Senate Select Committee on Ethics (ethics committees) each to report annually on alleged ethics violations and complaints.
Title III: Slowing the Revolving Door - (Sec. 301) Amends the federal criminal code to extend from one to two years the ban on lobbying contacts by former very senior executive personnel, former Members of Congress, and officers of the legislative branch with any Member, officer, or employee of the entity in which such person served before his or her tenure terminated.
Prohibits former employees of either chamber of Congress, within one year after leaving office, from making lobbying contacts with a Member, officer, or employee of either chamber.
Title IV: Ban on Provision of Gifts or Travel by Lobbyists in Violation of the Rules of Congress - (Sec. 401) Amends the LDA to prohibit a registered lobbyist from knowingly making a gift or providing travel to a Member, officer, or employee of Congress, unless the gift or travel may be accepted under the rules of the House or the Senate.
Subjects such lobbyist to LDA penalties for violating this ban.
(Sec. 510) Authorizes appropriations.
[Congressional Bills 109th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2128 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
109th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 2128
To provide greater transparency with respect to lobbying activities,
and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
December 16, 2005
Mr. McCain (for himself and Mr. Burns) introduced the following bill;
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security
and Governmental Affairs
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To provide greater transparency with respect to lobbying activities,
and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Lobbying
Transparency and Accountability Act of 2005''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
TITLE I--ENHANCING LOBBYING DISCLOSURE
Sec. 101. Quarterly filing of lobbying disclosure reports.
Sec. 102. Electronic filing of lobbying disclosure reports.
Sec. 103. Public database of lobbying disclosure information.
Sec. 104. Disclosure by registered lobbyists of all past executive and
congressional employment.
Sec. 105. Disclosure of grassroots activities by paid lobbyists.
Sec. 106. Disclosure of lobbyist contributions and payments.
Sec. 107. Increased penalty for failure to comply with lobbying
disclosure requirements.
Sec. 108. Disclosure of lobbying activities by certain coalitions and
associations.
TITLE II--SLOWING THE REVOLVING DOOR
Sec. 201. Amendments to restrictions on former officers, employees, and
elected officials of the executive and
legislative branches.
Sec. 202. Additional employment rights.
Sec. 203. Public disclosure by Members of Congress of employment
negotiations.
TITLE III--CURBING EXCESSES IN PRIVATELY FUNDED TRAVEL AND LOBBYIST
GIFTS
Sec. 301. Requirement of full payment and disclosure of charter
flights.
Sec. 302. Increased disclosure of travel by Members.
Sec. 303. Guidelines respecting travel expenses.
Sec. 304. Valuation of tickets to sporting and entertainment events.
TITLE IV--OVERSIGHT OF ETHICS AND LOBBYING
Sec. 401. Comptroller General review and semiannual reports.
TITLE I--ENHANCING LOBBYING DISCLOSURE
SEC. 101. QUARTERLY FILING OF LOBBYING DISCLOSURE REPORTS.
(a) Quarterly Filing Required.--Section 5 of the Lobbying
Disclosure Act of 1995 (in this title referred to as the ``Act'') (2
U.S.C. 1604) is amended--
(1) in subsection (a)--
(A) by striking ``Semiannual'' and inserting
``Quarterly'';
(B) by striking ``the semiannual period'' and all
that follows through ``July of each year'' and insert
``the quarterly period beginning on the first days of
January, April, July, and October of each year''; and
(C) by striking ``such semiannual period'' and
insert ``such quarterly period''; and
(2) in subsection (b)--
(A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by
striking ``semiannual report'' and inserting
``quarterly report'';
(B) in paragraph (2), by striking ``semiannual
filing period'' and inserting ``quarterly period'';
(C) in paragraph (3), by striking ``semiannual
period'' and inserting ``quarterly period''; and
(D) in paragraph (4), by striking ``semiannual
filing period'' and inserting ``quarterly period''.
(b) Conforming Amendments.--
(1) Definition.--Section 3(10) of the Act (2 U.S.C. 1602)
is amended by striking ``six month period'' and inserting
``three-month period''.
(2) Registration.--Section 4 of the Act (2 U.S.C. 1603) is
amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(3)(A), by striking
``semiannual period'' and inserting ``quarterly
period''; and
(B) in subsection (b)(3)(A), by striking
``semiannual period'' and inserting ``quarterly
period''.
(3) Enforcement.--Section 6(6) of the Act (2 U.S.C.
1605(6)) is amended by striking ``semiannual period'' and
inserting ``quarterly period''.
(4) Estimates.--Section 15 of the Act (2 U.S.C. 1610) is
amended--
(A) in subsection (a)(1), by striking ``semiannual
period'' and inserting ``quarterly period''; and
(B) in subsection (b)(1), by striking ``semiannual
period'' and inserting ``quarterly period''.
(5) Dollar amounts.--
(A) Registration.--Section 4 of the Act (2 U.S.C.
1603) is amended--
(i) in subsection (a)(3)(A)(i), by striking
``$5,000'' and inserting ``$2,500'';
(ii) in subsection (a)(3)(A)(ii), by
striking ``$20,000'' and inserting ``$10,000'';
(iii) in subsection (b)(3)(A), by striking
``$10,000'' and inserting ``$5,000''; and
(iv) in subsection (b)(4), by striking
``$10,000'' and inserting ``$5,000''.
(B) Reports.--Section 5 of the Act (2 U.S.C. 1604)
is amended--
(i) in subsection (c)(1), by striking
``$10,000'' and ``$20,000'' and inserting
``$5,000'' and ``$10,000'', respectively; and
(ii) in subsection (c)(2), by striking
``$10,000'' both places such term appears and
inserting ``$5,000''.
SEC. 102. ELECTRONIC FILING OF LOBBYING DISCLOSURE REPORTS.
Section 5 of the Act (2 U.S.C. 1604) is amended by adding at the
end the following:
``(d) Electronic Filing Required.--A report required to be filed
under this section shall be filed in electronic form, in addition to
any other form that may be required by the Secretary of the Senate or
the Clerk of the House of Representatives.''.
SEC. 103. PUBLIC DATABASE OF LOBBYING DISCLOSURE INFORMATION.
(a) Database Required.--Section 6 of the Act (2 U.S.C. 1605) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (7), by striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in paragraph (8), by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(9) maintain, and make available to the public over the
Internet, without a fee or other access charge, in a
searchable, sortable, and downloadable manner, an electronic
database that--
``(A) includes the information contained in
registrations and reports filed under this Act;
``(B) directly links the information it contains to
the information disclosed in reports filed with the
Federal Election Commission under section 304 of the
Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2 U.S.C. 434);
and
``(C) is searchable and sortable, at a minimum, by
each of the categories of information described in
section 4(b) or 5(b).''.
(b) Availability of Reports.--Section 6(4) of the Act is amended by
inserting before the semicolon the following: ``and, in the case of a
report filed in electronic form pursuant to section 5(d), shall make
such report available for public inspection over the Internet not more
than 48 hours after the report is filed''.
(c) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out paragraph (9)
of section 6 of the Act, as added by subsection (a).
SEC. 104. DISCLOSURE BY REGISTERED LOBBYISTS OF ALL PAST EXECUTIVE AND
CONGRESSIONAL EMPLOYMENT.
Section 4(b)(6) of the Act (2 U.S.C. 1603) is amended by striking
``or a covered legislative branch official'' and all that follows
through ``as a lobbyist on behalf of the client,'' and inserting ``or a
covered legislative branch official,''.
SEC. 105. DISCLOSURE OF GRASSROOTS ACTIVITIES BY PAID LOBBYISTS.
(a) Disclosure of Grassroots Activities.--Section 3 of the Act (2
U.S.C. 1602) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (2), by inserting ``or grassroots lobbying
activities'' after ``lobbying activities'' both places it
appears; and
(2) by adding at the end the following new paragraphs--
``(17) Grassroots lobbying.--The term `grassroots
lobbying'--
``(A) means any attempt to influence the general
public, or segments thereof, to engage in lobbying
contacts whether or not those contacts were made on
behalf of a client; and
``(B) does not include any attempt described in
subparagraph (A) by a person or entity directed to its
members, employees, officers or shareholders, unless
such attempt is financed with funds directly or
indirectly received from or arranged by a retained
registrant.
``(18) Grassroots lobbyist.--The term `grassroots lobbyist'
means any individual who is retained by a client for financial
or other compensation for services to engage in grassroots
lobbying.
``(19) Grassroots lobbying firm.--The term `grassroots
lobbying firm'--
``(A) means a person or entity that has 1 or more
employees who are grassroots lobbyists on behalf of a
client other than that person or entity; and
``(B) includes a self-employed individual who is a
grassroots lobbyist.
``(20) Grassroots lobbying activities.--The term
`grassroots lobbying activities' means grassroots lobbying and
efforts in support of grassroots lobbying, including
preparation and planning activities, research and other
background work that is intended, at the time it is performed,
for use in grassroots lobbying, and coordination with the
lobbying activities or grassroots lobbying activities of
others.
``(21) Leadership pac.--The term `leadership PAC' means,
with respect to an individual holding Federal office, an
unauthorized political committee which is associated with such
individual.''.
(b) Registration.--Section 4(a) of the Act (2 U.S.C. 1603(a)) is
amended--
(1) in paragraph (1), by striking ``45'' and inserting
``20'';
(2) by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4);
(3) by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:
``(3) Grassroots lobbying.--Not later than 20 days after a
grassroots lobbying firm first is retained by a client to
engage in grassroots lobbying, such grassroots lobbying firm
shall register with the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk
of the House of Representatives.''; and
(4) in paragraph (4)(A), as redesignated--
(A) by striking ``paragraphs (1) and (2)'' and
inserting ``paragraphs (1), (2), and (3)''; and
(B) in clause (i), by inserting ``and grassroots
lobbying activities'' after ``lobbying activities''.
(c) Separate Itemization of Grassroots Expenses.--Section 5(b) of
the Act (2 U.S.C. 1604(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (3), by--
(A) inserting after ``total amount of all income''
the following: ``(including a separate good faith
estimate of the total amount relating specifically to
grassroots lobbying activities and, within that amount,
a good faith estimate of the total amount specifically
relating to grassroots lobbying through paid
advertising)'';
(B) inserting ``or a grassroots lobbying firm''
after ``lobbying firm'';
(C) inserting ``or grassroots lobbying activities''
after ``lobbying activities'' both places it appears;
and
(D) striking ``and'' after the semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (4), by--
(A) inserting after ``total expenses'' the
following: ``(including a separate good faith estimate
of the total amount relating specifically to grassroots
lobbying activities and, within that total amount, a
separate good faith estimate of the total amount
specifically relating to grassroots lobbying through
paid advertising)'';
(B) inserting ``or grassroots lobbying activities''
after ``lobbying activities'' both places it appears;
and
(C) striking the period and inserting ``; and'';
and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(5) in the case of a grassroots lobbying firm, for each
client--
``(A) a list of the specific issues upon which the
registrant engaged in grassroots lobbying activities,
including, to the maximum extent practicable, a list of
bill numbers and references to specific executive
branch activities;
``(B) the total disbursements made for grassroots
lobbying activities, and a subtotal for disbursements
made for grassroots lobbying through paid advertising;
``(C) identification of each person or entity who
received a disbursement of funds for grassroots
lobbying activities of $10,000 or more during the
period and the total amount each person or entity
received; and
``(D) if such disbursements are made through a
person or entity who serves as an intermediary or
conduit, identification of each such intermediary or
conduit, identification of the person or entity who
receives the funds, and the total amount each such
person or entity received.''.
(d) Large Grassroots Expenditure.--Section 5(a) of the Act (2
U.S.C. 1604(a)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``No later'' and inserting ``Except as
provided in paragraph (2), not later''; and
(2) by adding at the end the following:
``(2) Large grassroots expenditure.--A registrant that is a
grassroots lobbying firm and that receives income of, or spends
or agrees to spend, an aggregate amount of $250,000 or more on
grassroots lobbying activities for a client, or for a group of
clients for a joint effort, shall file--
``(A) a report under this section not later than 20
days after receiving, spending, or agreeing to spend
that amount; and
``(B) an additional report not later than 20 days
after each time such lobbyist or lobbying firm receives
income of, or spends or agrees to spend, an aggregate
amount of $250,000 or more on grassroots lobbying
activities for a client, or for a group of clients for
a joint effort.''.
SEC. 106. DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYIST CONTRIBUTIONS AND PAYMENTS.
Section 5(b) of the Act (2 U.S.C. 1604(b)) is amended--
(1) in paragraph (4), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(2) in paragraph (5), by striking the period and inserting
a semicolon; and
(3) by adding at the end the following:
``(6) for each registrant (and for any political committee,
as defined in 301(4) of the Federal Election Campaign Act of
1971 (2 U.S.C. 431(4)), affiliated with such registrant), and
for each employee listed as a lobbyist by a registrant under
paragraph (2)(C)--
``(A) the name of each Federal candidate or
officeholder, leadership PAC, or political party
committee, to whom a contribution was made, and the
date and amount of such contribution; and
``(B) the name of each Federal candidate or
officeholder, or a leadership PAC of such candidate or
officeholder, or political party committee for whom a
fundraising event was hosted, cohosted, or otherwise
sponsored, the date and location of the event, and the
total amount raised by the event;
``(7) the name of each covered legislative branch official
or covered executive branch official for whom the registrant or
employee listed as a lobbyist provided, or directed or arranged
to be provided, any payment or reimbursements for travel and
related expenses in connection with the duties of such covered
official, including for each such official--
``(A) an itemization of the payments or
reimbursements provided to finance the travel and
related expenses and to whom the payments or
reimbursements were made, including any payment or
reimbursement made with the express or implied
understanding or agreement that such funds will be used
for travel and related expenses;
``(B) the purpose and final itinerary of the trip,
including a description of all meetings, tours, events,
and outings attended;
``(C) the names of any registrant or individual
employed by the registrant who traveled on any such
trip;
``(D) the identity of official or listed sponsor of
travel; and
``(E) the identity of any person or entity, other
than the listed sponsor of the travel, which directly
or indirectly provided for payment of travel and
related expenses at the request or suggestion of the
registrant or the employee;
``(8) the date, recipient, and amount of funds contributed
or disbursed by, or arranged by, a registrant or employee
listed as a lobbyist--
``(A) to pay the costs of an event to honor or
recognize a covered legislative branch official or
covered executive branch official;
``(B) to, or on behalf of, an entity that is named
for a covered legislative branch official or covered
executive branch official, or to a person or entity in
recognition of such official;
``(C) to an entity established, financed,
maintained, or controlled by a covered legislative
branch official or covered executive branch official,
or an entity designated by such official; or
``(D) to pay the costs of a meeting, retreat,
conference or other similar event held by, or for the
benefit of, 1 or more covered legislative branch
officials or covered executive branch officials;
except that this paragraph shall not apply to any payment or
reimbursement made from funds required to be reported under
section 304 of the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (2
U.S.C. 434); and
``(9) the date, recipient, and amount of any gift (that
under the rules of the House of Representatives or Senate
counts towards the one hundred dollar cumulative annual limit
described in such rules) valued in excess of $20 given by a
registrant or employee listed as a lobbyist to a covered
legislative branch official or covered executive branch
official.
For purposes of paragraph (9), the term `gift' means a gratuity, favor,
discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, forbearance, or other item
having monetary value. The term includes gifts of services, training,
transportation, lodging, and meals, whether provided in kind, by
purchase of a ticket, payment in advance, or reimbursement after the
expense has been incurred.''.
SEC. 107. INCREASED PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH LOBBYING
DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENTS.
Section 7 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1606) is
amended by striking ``$50,000'' and inserting ``$100,000''.
SEC. 108. DISCLOSURE OF LOBBYING ACTIVITIES BY CERTAIN COALITIONS AND
ASSOCIATIONS.
(a) In General.--Paragraph (2) of section 3 of the Lobbying
Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1602) is amended to read as follows:
``(2) Client.--
``(A) In general.--The term `client' means any
person or entity that employs or retains another person
for financial or other compensation to conduct lobbying
activities or grassroots lobbying activities on behalf
of that person or entity. A person or entity whose
employees act as lobbyists on its own behalf if both a
client and an employer of such employees.
``(B) Treatment of coalitions and associations.--
``(i) In general.--Except as provided in
clause (ii), in the case of a coalition or
association of 2 or more groups that retains a
person to conduct lobbying activities or
grassroots lobbying activities, each group
whose total contribution to the coalition or
association in connection with the lobbying
activities or grassroots lobbying activities
exceeds an aggregate of $10,000 during the
reporting period is the client along with the
coalition or association.
``(ii) Exception for certain tax exempt
associations.--In the case of an association
which is described in any paragraph of section
501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and
exempt from tax under section 501(a) of such
Code, the association (and not its members)
shall be treated as the client.
``(iii) Membership.--Nothing in this
paragraph shall be construed to require the
disclosure of any information about the members
of, or donors to, a group which is treated as a
client by this provision.''.
TITLE II--SLOWING THE REVOLVING DOOR
SEC. 201. AMENDMENTS TO RESTRICTIONS ON FORMER OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES, AND
ELECTED OFFICIALS OF THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATIVE
BRANCHES.
(a) Very Senior Executive Personnel.--The matter after subparagraph
(C) in section 207(d)(1) of title 18, United States Code, is amended by
striking ``within 1 year'' and inserting ``within 2 years''.
(b) Members of Congress, Officers, and Employees of the Legislative
Branch.--Section 207(e) of title 18, United States Code, is amended--
(1) in paragraph (1)(A), by striking ``within 1 year'' and
inserting ``within 2 years'';
(2) in paragraph (2)(A), by striking ``within 1 year'' and
inserting ``within 2 years'';
(3) in paragraph (3), by striking ``within 1 year'' and
inserting ``within 2 years''; and
(4) in paragraph (4)(A), by striking ``within 1 year'' and
inserting ``within 2 years''.
SEC. 202. ADDITIONAL EMPLOYMENT RIGHTS.
(a) In General.--Section 104 of the Indian Self-Determination and
Education Assistance Act (25 U.S.C. 450i) is amended by striking
subsection (j) and inserting the following:
``(j) Additional Employment Rights.--
``(1) In general.--Notwithstanding sections 205 and 207 of
title 18, United States Code, an officer or employee of the
United States assigned to an Indian tribe under section 3372 of
title 5, United States Code, or section 2072 of the Revised
Statutes (25 U.S.C. 48), or an individual that was formerly an
officer or employee of the United States and who is an employee
of an Indian tribe employed to perform services pursuant to
self-governance contracts or compacts under this Act that the
individual formerly performed for the United States, may
communicate with and appear before any department, agency,
court, or commission on behalf of the Indian tribe with respect
to any matter relating to the contract or compact, including
any matter in which the United States is a party or has a
direct and substantial interest.
``(2) Notification of involvement in pending matter.--An
officer, employee, or former officer or employee described in
paragraph (1) shall submit to the head of each appropriate
department, agency, court, or commission, in writing, a
notification of any personal and substantial involvement the
officer, employee, or former officer or employee had as an
officer or employee of the United States with respect to the
pending matter.''.
(b) Effective Date.--The effective date of the amendment made by
this section shall be the date that is 1 year after the date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 203. PUBLIC DISCLOSURE BY MEMBERS OF CONGRESS OF EMPLOYMENT
NEGOTIATIONS.
(a) House of Representatives.--The Code of Official Conduct set
forth in rule XXIII of the Rules of the House of Representatives is
amended by redesignating clause 14 as clause 15 and by inserting after
clause 13 the following new clause:
``14. A Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner shall file with
the Clerk of the House of Representatives for public disclosure, a
statement that he or she is negotiating or has any arrangement
concerning prospective employment if a conflict of interest or the
appearance of a conflict of interest may exist. Such statement shall be
made within 3 days after the commencement of such negotiation or
arrangement.''.
(b) Senate.--Rule XXXVII of the Standing Rules of the Senate is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``13. A Member shall file with the Secretary of the Senate, for
public disclosure, a statement that he or she is negotiating or has any
arrangement concerning prospective employment if a conflict of interest
or the appearance of a conflict of interest may exist. Such statement
shall be made within 3 days after the commencement of such negotiation
or arrangement.''.
TITLE III--CURBING EXCESSES IN PRIVATELY FUNDED TRAVEL AND LOBBYIST
GIFTS
SEC. 301. REQUIREMENT OF FULL PAYMENT AND DISCLOSURE OF CHARTER
FLIGHTS.
(a) House of Representatives.--
(1) In general.--Clause 5(a)(3)(A) of rule XXV of the
Standing Rules of the House of Representatives is amended by--
(A) inserting ``(1)'' after ``(A)''; and
(B) adding at the end the following:
``(2) Market value for a flight on an airplane that is not
licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration to operate for
compensation or hire shall be the fair market value of a
charter flight. The Committee on Standards of Official Conduct
shall make public information received under this subparagraph
as soon as possible after it is received.''.
(2) Disclosure.--Clause 5 of rule XXV of the Standing Rules
of the House of Representatives is amended by adding at the end
the following:
``(g) A Member, officer, or employee who takes a flight described
in paragraph (a)(3)(A)(2) shall, with respect to the flight, file a
report with the Clerk of the House of Representatives for public
disclosure within 10 days after the flight--
``(1) the date of the flight;
``(2) the destination of the flight who else was on the
flight, other than those operating the plane; and
``(3) the purpose of the trip.''.
(b) Senate.--
(1) In general.--Paragraph 1(c)(1) of rule XXXV of the
Standing Rules of the Senate is amended by--
(A) inserting ``(A)'' after ``(1)''; and
(B) adding at the end the following:
``(B) Market value for a flight on an airplane that is not
licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration to operate for
compensation or hire shall be the fair market value of a
charter flight. The Select Committee on Ethics shall make
public information received under this subparagraph as soon as
possible after it is received.''.
(2) Disclosure.--Paragraph 1 of rule XXXV of the Standing
Rules of the Senate is amended by adding at the end the
following:
``(h) A Member, officer, or employee who takes a flight described
in subparagraph (c)(1)(B) shall, with respect to the flight, file a
report with the Secretary of the Senate for public disclosure within 10
days after the flight--
``(1) the date of the flight;
``(2) the destination of the flight;
``(3) who else was on the flight, other than those
operating the plane; and
``(4) the purpose of the trip.''.
(c) Candidates.--Subparagraph (B) of section 301(8) of the Federal
Election Campaign Act of 1971 (42 U.S.C. 431(8)(B)) is amended by--
(1) in clause (xiii), striking ``and'' at the end;
(2) in clause (xiv), by striking the period and inserting
``; and''; and
(3) by adding at the end the following :
``(xv) any travel expense for a flight on
an airplane that is not licensed by the Federal
Aviation Administration to operate for
compensation or hire, but only if the candidate
or the candidate's authorized committee or
other political committee pays within 7 days
after the date of the flight to the owner,
lessee, or other person who provides the use of
the airplane an amount not less than the normal
and usual charter fare or rental charge for a
comparable commercial airplane of appropriate
size.''.
SEC. 302. INCREASED DISCLOSURE OF TRAVEL BY MEMBERS.
(a) House of Representatives.--Clause 5(b)(1)(A)(ii) of rule XXV of
the Rules of the House of Representatives is amended by--
(1) inserting ``a detailed description and itemization of
each of'' before ``the expenses''; and
(2) inserting ``, including a description of all meetings,
tours, events, and outings attended during such travel'' before
the period at the end thereof.
(b) Senate.--Paragraph 2(c) of rule XXXV of the Standing Rules of
the Senate is amended--
(1) in subclause (5), by striking ``and'' after the
semicolon;
(2) by redesignating subclause (6) as subclause (7); and
(3) by adding after subclause (5) the following:
``(6) a detailed description and itemization of all
meetings, tours, events, and outings attended during such
travel; and''.
SEC. 303. GUIDELINES RESPECTING TRAVEL EXPENSES.
(a) House of Representatives.--Clause 5(f) of rule XXV of the Rules
of the House of Representatives is amended by inserting ``(1)'' after
``(f)'' and by adding at the end the following new subparagraph:
``(2) Within 90 days after the date of adoption of this
subparagraph and at annual intervals thereafter, the Committee on
Standards of official Conduct shall develop and revise, as necessary,
guidelines on what constitutes `reasonable expenses' or `reasonable
expenditures' for purposes of paragraph (b)(4). In developing and
revising the guidelines, the committee shall take into account the
maximum per diem rates for official Government travel published
annually by the General Services Administration, the Department of
State, and the Department of Defense.''.
(b) Senate.--Rule XXXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate is
amended by adding at the end the following:
``(7) Not later than 90 days after the date of adoption of
this paragraph and at annual intervals thereafter, the Select
Committee on Ethics shall develop and revise, as necessary,
guidelines on what constitutes `reasonable expenses' or
`reasonable expenditures' for purposes of this rule. In
developing and revising the guidelines, the committee shall
take into account the maximum per diem rates for official
Government travel published annually by the General Services
Administration, the Department of State, and the Department of
Defense.''.
SEC. 304. VALUATION OF TICKETS TO SPORTING AND ENTERTAINMENT EVENTS.
(a) In General.--For a covered executive branch official, a gift of
a ticket to a sporting or entertainment event shall be valued at the
face value of the ticket, provided that in the case of a ticket without
a face value, the ticket shall be valued at the highest cost of a
ticket with a face value for the event.
(b) Senate.--Paragraph 1(b)(1) of rule XXXV of the Standing Rules
of the Senate is amended by--
(1) inserting ``(A)'' after ``(1)''; and
(2) adding at the end the following:
``(B) A gift of a ticket to a sporting or
entertainment event shall be valued at the face value
of the ticket, provided that in the case of a ticket
without a face value, the ticket shall be valued at the
highest cost of a ticket with a face value for the
event.''.
(c) House.--Clause 5(a)(2)(A) of rule XXV of the Standing Rules of
the House of Representatives is amended by--
(1) inserting ``(i)'' after ``(A)''; and
(2) adding at the end the following:
``(ii) A gift of a ticket to a sporting or
entertainment event shall be valued at the face
value of the ticket, provided that in the case
of a ticket without a face value, the ticket
shall be valued at the highest cost of a ticket
with a face value for the event.''.
TITLE IV--OVERSIGHT OF ETHICS AND LOBBYING
SEC. 401. COMPTROLLER GENERAL REVIEW AND SEMIANNUAL REPORTS.
(a) Ongoing Review Required.--The Comptroller General shall review
on an ongoing basis the activities carried out by the Clerk of the
House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate under section
6 of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1605). The review
shall emphasize--
(1) the effectiveness of those activities in securing the
compliance by lobbyists with the requirements of that Act; and
(2) whether the Clerk and the Secretary have the resources
and authorities needed for effective oversight and enforcement
of that Act.
(b) Semiannual Reports.--Twice yearly, not later than January 1 and
not later than July 1 of each year, the Comptroller General shall
submit to Congress a report on the review required by subsection (a).
The report shall include the Comptroller General's assessment of the
matters required to be emphasized by that subsection and any
recommendations of the Comptroller General to--
(1) improve the compliance by lobbyists with the
requirements of that Act; and
(2) provide the Clerk and the Secretary with the resources
and authorities needed for effective oversight and enforcement
of that Act.
<all>
Introduced in Senate
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR S13791-13793)
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Hearings held. Hearings printed: S.Hrg. 109-428.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Collins with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Collins with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 369.
Llama 3.2 · runs locally in your browser
Ask anything about this bill. The AI reads the full text to answer.
Enter to send · Shift+Enter for new line