ReepReform: Lobbyists can only give gifts When ACCOMPANIED by CASH! LOL

[elehhhhna]

Loophole in Lobbying Bill Leaves Wiggle Room

By Jeffrey H. Birnbaum
Washington Post Staff Writer
Wednesday, January 18, 2006; Page A04

Lawmakers are about to bombard the American public with proposals that would crack down on lobbyists. Several prominent plans, including one outlined yesterday by House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.), would specifically ban meals and privately paid travel for lawmakers.

Or would they?

According to lobbyists and ethics experts, even if Hastert's proposal is enacted, members of Congress and their staffs could still travel the world on an interest group's expense and eat steak on a lobbyist's account at the priciest restaurants in Washington.

The only requirement would be that whenever a lobbyist pays the bill, he or she must also hand the lawmaker a campaign contribution. Then the transaction would be perfectly okay.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/17/AR2006011701311.html

[ck4829]

1. What does it say on my R Card?

"CASH Bribes only!"

Republicans = ?

[leftstreet]

2. ROFL! Lobbying's gonna get real expensive! n/t

[Oilwellian]

3. How fitting....

they'll be choosing their new leader on Groundhog Day.

[elehhhhna]

4. Comeon people this deserves some recommendations...

the look on hub's face when I told him about this: priceless.