Ben Nelson wants an independent commission for ethics reform.

[LiberalAndProud]

I contacted Nelson about ethics concerns months & months & months ago. He has responded with all ... due ... deliberation.
It seems he can't ignore the issue any longer.

___________

February 7, 2006

Dear _________________:

Thank you for contacting me to share your views on ethics and lobby reform. We know from our Declaration of Independence that our government derives its "just Powers from the consent of the governed."
That is why I take public doubts about official honesty and integrity very seriously.

Several reform proposals-some introduced before and some after the recent scandals and investigations-are currently on the table. Change for change's sake is not the answer; I support real, just and workable change and believe that a thoughtful and comprehensive reform agenda can only be developed by a bipartisan group of people outside the Congress.

To reform the institution and its rules, I have introduced legislation, S. 2186, to create the Commission to Strengthen Confidence in Congress (CSCC). The CSCC will be an independent entity operating outside of the institution of Congress to review ideas and provide a series of recommendations on how to best address the concerns of the American people. It will be modeled on initiatives like the 9-11 Commission, and premised in the belief that we have a responsibility to preserve the confidence of the American people.

My hope would be that the CSCC will give Congress a series of recommendations and proposals. But perhaps even more importantly, creation of the CSCC will facilitate a healthy, candid public debate and discussion about Congress and how to improve it - and to find ways to once again strengthen the confidence of the American people.

Thank you again for contacting me. I will keep your comments in mind as Congress debates ethics reform proposals. The legislative process will only work with the input of concerned citizens, and I encourage you to continue sharing your thoughts.

Sincerely,

Ben Nelson
U.S. Senator

[the observationist]

1. Re: Independent commission

I thought the Republicans were the ones that wanted Independent commissions. Correct me if I'm wrong, but didn't Sen. Reid introduce some recent legislation? What is wrong with Nelson? I do not know how he can honestly run as a Democrat.

[LiberalAndProud]

2. I think they need outside help. They have proven themselves

incapable of self-censure.