The Senate today passed lobbying reform that is designed to discourage bad behavior. Opponents of the reform however suggest it doesnt go far enough. One of the provisions that failed was an amendment that would have created an office within the rules committee to investigate the potential conflicts of interests. Another provision bans former members from lobbying congress for at least two years after leaving office. If a member gets a ride on a private jet they only have to pay first class fare rather than the market rate. Many corporations and some non-profits use this to gain better access to members of congress. Part of the concern throughout the debate on lobbying was that the leadership wanted to be able to make sure that members do go on trips so that they stay informed on pending legislation while making sure that lobbyists do not have undue influence. Sometimes these trips are the only way for members to get a real assessment of what is happening out in the field.
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