John Mica: “let me speak again to some of the loopholes of this bill. Probably the biggest flaw in this legislation is the…”

“let me speak again to some of the loopholes of this bill. Probably the biggest flaw in this legislation is the definition of lobbyists and the 10 percent requirement under this bill we have heard bantered around today. That is the loophole that will allow the 20,000 attorneys in this town to still conduct business as usual. Ten percent is a loophole that we are creating and an opportunity for people to become involved in this process without reporting. Let me say that this bill, and I want to correct my statement earlier, this bill creates civil penalties instead of the current criminal penalties. The civil penalties are enforced by the Department of Justice. Which is stronger, criminal or civil penalties? I did not say this would allow the continued trips to Florida and other glorious spots. Common Cause stated that. I am not an attorney. Common Cause and their legal people have read this bill and said that it does not prohibit such trips. This bill has loopholes that the lobbiest does not even have under the current law, exemptions for the $2,500, the $5,000 organization exemptions, the 10-percent exemptions. I would ask the gentleman, why not, if someone is paid money or receives money from clients to influence legislation or the executive branch, anyone, then it should be reported: If someone is a paid as a lobbyist, then simply report it. Again, this bill has loopholes big enough to drive a lobbyist's limousine through.”