Alan Simpson: “In the year 1992 our Senate colleagues directed over $500,000 to go to charities as a result of speeches which they…”

“In the year 1992 our Senate colleagues directed over $500,000 to go to charities as a result of speeches which they made. By current law, not one cent of those funds went into any Member's pockets. In 1991, the amount was over $762,000. These funds go to organizations such as the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts, the American Cancer Society, universities, community colleges, environmental and Conservation causes, scholarship programs, veterans groups, and many other worthwhile charitable and educational institutions. I believe this kind of work which Senators do to benefit charities is most commendable. This bill would have banned that type of activity entirely. I was prepared to offer an amendment which would have continued current law regarding charitable honoraria. Since my amendment became known to my old friend, Senator Carl Levin, the author of the legislation, he and I and our respective staff members have engaged in fruitful negotiations. I think we have achieved a solution which will allow these types of worthwhile organizations to continue to receive proceeds from honoraria.”