A look at key congressional ethics- reform proposals by Republicans and Democrats:
Both parties: Would ban or restrict privately funded travel and gifts (with Democrats banning more gifts and Republicans more trips). Both would also double to two years the waiting period for a lawmaker leaving office to become a lobbyist and would require more frequent disclosure of lobbying activity.
Republicans: Would bar former lawmakers turned lobbyists from access to the House floor and take away the pension of any member convicted of a felony related to official duties.
Democrats: Would seek to end cronyism in the hiring of federal officials, increase competition in federal contracting, bar lawmakers from inserting special-interest favors or spending into bills late at night, and require lawmakers to announce when they are negotiating for private-sector jobs. Would also kill the “K Street Project,” an initiative backed by former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, R-Texas, that pressured lobbying firms to hire Republicans and fund GOP causes.
Not addressed by either party: Payments to political campaigns, special “earmark” appropriations that allow federal spending for a single interest.
Sources: The Associated Press,
Knight Ridder Newspapers
