After some foot-dragging, suspense, and pressure from good government advocates (including the PCDO), the House passed a reform measure late last week that requires lobbyists to disclose the campaign contributions they "bundle"--that is, collect and deliver--to lawmakers and their political action committees. (Among the more influential and infamous lobbyist bundlers was one Jack Abramoff.)

The bundling reform does indicate forward progess in the Congressional reform effort, although much remains to be accomplished. For example, these two reform measures have met strong resistance, including among Democratic representatives, and thier prospects currently appear dubious:

• Extending the ban on "revolving door" lobbying by former lawmakers to two years after they have left office. Determined resistance from some members looking forward to moving on someday to big paychecks as Washington lobbysists has already forced the leadership to drop this reform for now.
• Creating an outside independent watchdog to monitor the compliance of House members to ethics rules.

The single most effective way to insulate government from the corrosive effects of lobbyists and other influence peddlers, is public campaign financing of Congressional elections. There is a "gold standard" bill out there--the Fair Elections Now Act--that I'd urge you to take a look at http://ga3.org/campaign/fairelectionsnow/833w7wsrfet8d8m?

and consider becoming a citizen co-sponsor.

Russ Weiss
Co-chair,
Government Reform Committee