Ethics Reform Bill Sails Through Senate

Senate expected to pass reforms

(NEWSER) - The House passed a bill today that would impose sweeping new ethics rules and restrictions on lobbying, the Washington Post reports. The bill, which passed by an overwhelming 411-8 vote, takes particular aim at earmarks for legislators' personal projects. It also curbs campaign contributions and lobbyist wining and dining and imposes new restrictions on lobbyists. More»

Oklahoma senator tells town hall to not be fooled by TV

(NEWSER) - Staunchly conservative Republican Senator Tom Coburn displayed a surprising bipartisan spirit at a recent town hall in his home state of Oklahoma, praising Democratic House speaker Nancy Pelosi and putting down Fox News. He may be “180 degrees in opposition” to Pelosi, Coburn told the crowd, but “she is a nice lady.” “How many of you all have met her,” he challenged the assembly, which booed in return. More»

State best represented in Congress, holds key Cabinet, Senate posts

(NEWSER) - California is set to take over Texas’ role as the state with most influence on the federal government, Politico reports. With Nancy Pelosi as House Speaker, the largest number of representatives—34—in the Democratic caucus, and one of the strongest presences by state in Barack Obama’s administration, the Golden State’s agenda is poised to echo up and down Pennsylvania Avenue. More»

(NEWSER) - Nancy Pelosi plans to convene a lame-duck House session to vote on an expanded rescue of the auto industry, the Wall Street Journal reports. “I am confident Congress can consider emergency assistance legislation next week,” the House Speaker said. Both GM and Ford have said they are cash poor, even after the $25 billion in government loan they received prior to the election. More»

Senate rules OK the freebie; House says it's an ethics violation

(NEWSER) - Tonight's Kanye West concert at the Democratic Convention is the unlikely source of an ethics quandary, ABC News reports, as Senate Democrats attend for free while the House is making staffers pay up. Under new rules intended to reduce the influence of lobbyists, members of Congress aren't allowed to take gifts beyond a very limited amount. Senate ethics interpreters say the concert comes under an exception for events "widely attended" and "connected" to official duties. More»