Bob Wise: “It is time to pass the gift ban for lobbyists. In his State of the Union message, the President encouraged Congress to…”

“It is time to pass the gift ban for lobbyists. In his State of the Union message, the President encouraged Congress to voluntarily abandon lobbyist gifts and trips. He is right. We do not need a law to do what each of us can do individually. Today, I am implementing in our Charleston, Martinsburg, and Washington offices all the provisions of the reform law that still have not passed. That means no lobbyist-provided meals, no lobbyist gifts, and no lobbyist trips. Food, like fruit baskets, will either be declined or given to charity. Happily there will not be much change for our office. I believe we have received three cans of popcorn and one birthday cake in the last few months. Mr. Speaker, as I do this in my office, so does Congress need to pass the lobby reform legislation that puts this into law. Twice last year I voted to make it law. Two weeks ago I voted to make it law. As I have put this gift ban into effect and made it the law of the West Virginia Second Congressional District office, Mr. Speaker, now I ask you to help make it the law of the Nation.”