Summary

A serious of corruption scandals in the 109th congress has shaken America's faith in the political process.

Background

The recent series of corruption scandals in US politics (see here and here) has led to calls for increased restrictions on the role of lobbyists and money in the political process.

Specific limitations that may be considered by the 110th Congress include:
* Limitations on trips and gifts (of any value) received by members of Congress, executive branch officials, and staff.
* Establishment of an independent congressional Office of Public Integrity to oversee and enforce ethics rules and lobbying laws.
* Prohibiting members of Congress and senior executive branch officials from lobbying for two years after leaving their positions.
* Strengthen financial disclosure reports from legislators and executive branch officials.
* Restricting the ability of members of Congress to add last minute "earmarks" to bills. /1/

Speaker Pelosi has designated ethics reform a priority for the first "100 hours" of the 100th congress.

References and Additional Links

/1/ "Nancy Pelosi's tough new rules" Washington Post 12/31/06