Quote: Democrats' plan might ban all lobbyist gifts
Democrats in the House and Senate are floating a plan that would essentially ban all gifts from lobbyists - including event tickets, meals, flights and other commonplace gifts - according to Thursday's edition of Roll Call.
Aides to Democratic leaders Harry Reid (D-NV) and Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) report that the two are considering both an outright ban on all gifts, and a partial ban with strict reporting provisions.
Excerpts from the Roll Call story follow:
Pelosi, at a press conference Wednesday, gave her full support to a complete prohibition of all gifts. While endorsing a ban on all travel paid for by non-government sources, Pelosi signaled her intent to push for the complete gift ban, saying of the travel restrictions, "that’s only the beginning."
A handful of Senate aides said that Reid is also on board with an outright ban on gifts, but noted that no final decisions had been made and that Senators were still being briefed on the proposals and their input was still being sought. ... The emerging Democratic proposal would, so far, create the most dramatic change in day-to-day life for lobbyists and staff, who have been operating in a world where the current $50 limit on gifts is used as the predicate for a night of NBA games or fine dining that often far exceeds $50 in total value.
Some Democratic aides were pushing to ban sports and entertainment tickets, while allowing for other gifts including meals, but requiring disclosure of such gifts on lobbying disclosure forms. However, the tide is running in favor of a much more politically explainable, total prohibition of all gifts, according to top aides.
