Ethics Bill Passes by Huge Margin
Within hours of taking power in the House, Democrats successfully pushed through ethics legislation by a telling margin: 430 to 1. Either it's politically untenable to vote in favor of corruption (except for Dan Burton of Indiana) or the bill was watered down enough, as critics alleged, that it wasn't worth opposing.
Within hours of taking power in the House, Democrats successfully pushed through ethics legislation by a telling margin: 430 to 1. Either it’s politically untenable to vote in favor of corruption (except for Dan Burton of Indiana) or the bill was watered down enough, as critics alleged, that it wasn’t worth opposing.
Wait, before you go…AP:
While Thursday was set aside for ceremony and celebration in the Senate, the House plunged immediately into work on the agenda that Democrats campaigned on last fall.
Despite Republican procedural protests, the ethics changes drew the opposition of only one lawmaker, Rep. Dan Burton (news, bio, voting record), R-Ind. Democrats said they marked a first step toward ending a “culture of corruption” that they said flourished under the GOP.
The changes expand restrictions on privately financed trips enjoyed by lawmakers, prohibit travel on corporate jets and require greater disclosure of earmarks, the pet projects inserted into legislation at the behest of individual lawmakers.
House members would still be allowed to take trips financed by foundations that seek to influence public opinion, but only if the ethics committee approves the travel in advance.
If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.
Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.
Support Truthdig
The 385-41 vote comes a day after bitter debate over impeachment. Republicans and Democrats win bragging rights on passage and concessions.
The combination of Russophobia and the Democratic Party's compulsion to criticize Trump's every action, even when he accidentally does something sensible, prevents the two largest nuclear powers from working together to create a safer world.
Opinions showcased in three major U.S. newspapers during the recent government shutdown exhibit a striking lack of concern for the fate of the young immigrants.
There are currently no responses to this article.
Be the first to respond.