Trent Lott: “I hope this is not an indication of the tenor of the debate that is going to occur this week. I think that a little…”

“I hope this is not an indication of the tenor of the debate that is going to occur this week. I think that a little humor is fine, but I also think a little action is required in this area, and I promise to patch up my friend's feelings as soon as I get through here before the Senate. Speaking of public disclosure of employment negotiations, the committee addressed a potential conflict of interest situation where a Member is negotiating for a private sector job while still acting in his official capacity. This was an amendment that I believe was offered by Senator Santorum in the Rules Committee, it was not in our committee chairman's mark, but the committee discussed it and agreed that this is an area which should be adopted. It requires public disclosure of any such negotiations. The rule would not apply if the Member's successor has already been elected. Once an election has occurred for a successor, even though you might be back in what we call a lameduck session, you would be able to have such negotiation, but you wouldn't have to fulfill the public disclosure statement. Obviously, as long as you are in this body, you shouldn't be having negotiations with somebody about employment when you are leaving. If you do, you may, of necessity--it may happen accidentally, but if you do, you ought to at least disclose it. Lobbying by members of the Senator's family, has been in question and an issue in recent years.…”