Political Quotes

“I rise today to voice my opposition to S. 349, the Lobbying Disclosure Act. While I recognize and support strong efforts to bring more openness and accountability to our legislative process, I do not believe that this legislation sensibly accomplishes this goal. In fact, in some respects S. 349 paints Members as apologists for carrying out the important work which our constituents sent us to this body to perform. The business of the Congress is ordering the priorities of the millions of people and interests in the country. We accomplish this by listening to the concerns and voices of constituents and others at a variety of times and settings, including over meals or during conferences. Yet certain provisions in this bill imply that accepting an invitation to a lunch or a dinner is improper, and by accepting such an invitation my decision on a particular issue or piece of legislation will be influenced. This is simply not true, and I believe that most-- if not all--of my colleagues would agree to this proposition.”