Political Quotes

“I rise to discuss why I voted for S. 1935, the gifts ban bill. The debate on this bill was long and somewhat contentious. It is difficult for an institution of 100 people to put its own ethics under a microscope. However, it seems to me that we face the challenge of convincing a doubting public that the Senate is worthy of its respect and trust--no matter what the talk show hosts say. I believe that the gifts ban bill rises to this challenge. Let me briefly discuss the essence of the bill that the Senate passed. S. 1935 would ban virtually all gifts of any value to Senators and their staffers. This is an improvement even over the version that I supported in the Governmental Affairs Committee, which would have permitted gifts of less than $20 in value from non-lobbyists. I supported this change because I think we are better off just deciding that there should be no gifts allowed. That's why I voted for the amendment by Senator Bumpers, which would ban even these gifts of minimal value. With even small gifts banned, Senators and staffers would not have to worry about whether a gift is worth $19.95 or $20.05, and whether the gift can be accepted. We simply would look the gift horse--whether a lobbyist, a constituent, or a foreign dignitary--in the mouth and explain that Senate rules prohibit gifts. There are some necessary exceptions. I still would be able to receive presents from my family and friends for my birthday, for instance.…”