WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD) today hailed the enactment of the Honest Leadership, Open Government Act of 2007, which President Bush signed into law after it received overwhelming bipartisan support in the Congress.
This legislation is designed to restore accountability in Washington. It breaks the tight-knit relationship between lobbyists and lawmakers and takes another major step toward making the 110th Congress the most open and accountable Congress in history.
Congressman Van Hollen authored legislation that adds new transparency for lobbyists bundling campaign contributions. The bill requires reporting on lobbyists who "bundle," or collect campaign checks for Members of Congress and campaign committees.
"Last year, we promised to break the link between lobbyists and legislators here in Washington and to fundamentally change the way we do business," said Van Hollen. "Today’s enactment of the Honest Leadership, Open Government Act will bring unprecedented transparency to lobbyists’ activities and another major step in changing the way business is done in Washington."
"This bill simply would not have passed without the leadership of Representative Van Hollen," said Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
"Representative Van Hollen deserves enormous credit for his skillful and committed leadership on behalf of effective disclosure of the contributions that lobbyists and lobbying organizations raise and bundle for members of Congress, political party committees and others," said Democracy 21 President Fred Wertheimer.
The House passed its bill by a vote of 396-22 on May 24, 2007. On January 18, 2008 the Senate passed its version by a vote of 96-2. The final agreement on S. 1 passed the House on July 31, 2007 by a vote of 411-8, and passed the Senate on August 2, 2007 by a vote of 83-14. The following describes the provisions of the new law.
New transparency for lobbyists bundling campaign contributions: For the first time, requires reporting on lobbyists who "bundle," or collect campaign checks for Members of Congress.
Historic disclosure of other financial contributions to Members: Increases disclosure of lobbyists’ contributions to lawmakers and entities controlled by lawmakers, including contributions to Members’ charities, to events or entities honoring members, contributions intended to pay the cost of a meeting or a retreat, and contributions to Presidential library funds.
Strengthens ethics Rules for Senate, similar to already enacted House reforms: Includes a variety of changes to Senate rules, including a ban on gift and travel by lobbyists, full disclosure of earmarks, points of order against out-of-scope earmarks and limits on secret holds.
Lavish convention parties: Prohibits Members of Congress from attending national political convention parties held in their honor and paid for by lobbyists or their clients.
Ends K-Street Project: Prohibits Members of Congress and their staff from attempting to influence private sector hiring and firing in exchange for access.
Expands public disclosure of lobbyist activities: Doubles the frequency of the disclosure of Lobbyists’ Reports to four times a year. Establishes an online, searchable public database of lobbyist information. Requires lobbyists to disclose past executive branch and Congressional employment. Prohibits lobbyists from giving gifts and travel in violation of House and Senate rules. Increases criminal and civil penalties for violating the Lobby Disclosure Act to $200,000 and five years in prison.
Ends conflicts of interest and strengthens restrictions on post congressional employment: Requires Members to disclose job negotiations for post-Congressional employment and to recuse themselves on matters if there is a conflict of interest. It also strengthens the ban on the revolving door, banning Senators from lobbying their colleagues for two years. Prohibits congressional staff from having official contact with the Members’ lobbyist spouse on behalf of the spouse’s client.
Congressional pension accountability: Denies taxpayer-funded pension benefits to Members of Congress convicted of corruption while serving the American people.
Expands public disclosure of Members’ travel and finances: Establishes an online, searchable public database of Member travel and personal financial disclosure forms.