Political Quotes

“this amendment contains a number of technical clarifying changes on behalf of the managers, as well as several amendments that have been worked out with Members from both sides of the aisle. In particular, it would clarify that: Gifts based on outside activities of a Member's spouse may be accepted to the same extent as gifts based on outside activities of the Member himself or herself; Commemorative items and mementos of modest value may be accepted from anybody other than a lobbyist; A gift may not be accepted on the basis of the personal friendship exception if the friend seeks reimbursement or compensation for the gift from a client or firm; The bill would not limit contributions to legal defense funds by anyone other than a lobbyist or a foreign agent; Free attendance at a widely attended event may be accepted from the sponsor of the event, but not from an outside party that may have purchased tickets to the event; and When it is not practical to return a gift because it is perishable, the gift may be given to charity or shared within the recipient's office. In addition, the amendment would make it unlawful for a lobbyist to provide a gift to a Member of Congress in knowing violation of the new rules; provide for Ethics Committee waivers of the rules in unusual cases and require advance authorization for gifts to Members in excess of $250 on the basis of personal friendship; and clarify that this bill is an exercise of congressional rulemaking authority.”