Joe Lieberman: “Basically, we have a very strong reform of the rules by which we govern our ethics and that of those who lobby before…”

“Basically, we have a very strong reform of the rules by which we govern our ethics and that of those who lobby before us. What is missing is an equal reform of the process which would do that. Nothing in this amendment alters the superior role of the Senate Ethics Committee pursuant to the Constitution to make final decisions on claims before it. This amendment simply sets up an independent investigative office. Incidentally, it is merely responding to what my friend from California, Senator Feinstein, said. There is actually more protection against abuse of this process with frivolous complaints than there is in the current system. I have a feeling this will not pass tonight, but our committee is going to take it up and hopefully report out a bill independently later this session.”