Russ Feingold: “I commend and thank the distinguished chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, Senator Levin…”

“I commend and thank the distinguished chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight of Government Management, Senator Levin, for drafting this underlying substitute amendment. It does strengthen in many ways the bill that we had originally introduced. The substitute amendment allows us to address a subject that we have all said today is very important, both to Congress and the American public. It finally reforms the way in which Congress deals with free travel, entertainment, meals, and various gifts that are offered to Members and their staffs each year from individuals and organizations that seek access and influence in the U.S. Congress. I just remind everyone, of course, the current gift rules allow Members of Congress and their staffs to accept gifts worth up to $250 from one source during a year, and that does not include in that limit any gifts under $100. I think this creates the potential for conflicts of interest and the appearance of impropriety. My sense, as was certainly eloquently stated by Senator Wellstone, is that this is part of the reason that the public's confidence in Congress has fallen to dangerously low levels. The recent media accounts concerning various trips and recreational outings paid for by lobbyists and their organizations, I really do believe have fanned the public's discontent and have helped spawn an even greater sense of cynicism towards this institution. I know this firsthand.…”