McNerney Supports Ethics Measures

Press Release

MCNERNEY SUPPORTS ETHICS MEASURES

Today, the House passed two pieces of legislation designed to increase accountability and openness in government, the Lobbying Transparency Act of 2007 and the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007. Rep. Jerry McNerney (CA-11) released the following statement after their passage.

"Today, I cast my vote for two measures that address the relationship between Members of Congress and the lobbyists that seek to influence legislation.

"The bills include provisions to strengthen and increase the frequency of lobbyist reports, ensures those reports will be available in a searchable database online, and will increase the penalties for failure to comply. The legislation will outlaw the so-called "K Street Project," require Members to disclose post-Congressional employment negotiations, and require lobbyists to disclose the client donations collected for candidates and PACs.

"These bills greatly strengthen reporting and disclosure provisions and provide real teeth when those provisions are violated. This is a good step forward and continues the efforts begun in the opening days of this Congress to bring back trust, civility and accountability to government.

"I am proud that one my first votes as a newly elected member of Congress was in favor of an aggressive ethics package banning lobbyist-provided gifts, meals, and travel. And in subsequent days I was proud to vote to strip Congressional pensions from Members convicted of felonies as well as other measures to promote accountability and openness in government.

"Yet despite today's votes, there is still significantly more work to do.

"Members of Congress should be held in high regard by the people they represent. There should be no doubt that votes by Members are taken on the merits of the legislation under consideration, not because of the influence of paid lobbyists.

"It is imperative that we re-establish a positive relationship with the constituents we serve.

"That will require constant vigilance, openness and accountability. And it will require substantive action. I look forward to working with members on both sides of the aisle to accomplish this in the coming days."

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