Frank Lautenberg: “first, let me commend the manager of the bill, and say that the substitute which he offered for his version of the gift…”

“first, let me commend the manager of the bill, and say that the substitute which he offered for his version of the gift bill was somewhat different, and was an excellent attempt to bridge a gap, to get past the differences that we see emerging, and as usual, his skill and his knowledge help to clarify the situation, even in the current debate. Perhaps there was a question or two that was not resolved, but it is a complicated thing that we do, Mr. President. It is different. Life is changing. That is what we are about to discuss, and that is what we are about to stand up and be counted on. Either we accept the fact that there is change or we salute the status quo. Much of the discussion of the issues associated with reform of the current gift rule has been with some passion. That is understandable. The reforms we have proposed will change relationships radically in Washington, and also impact on Senators in their home States. They raise complicated questions about our representational roles, the definition of 'official business,' and how to separate our private lives from our public duties. It is natural for Senators to have concerns, questions, and reservations. I would like to deal with some of those issues today.…”