WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative George Miller (California), the Chairman of the Democratic Policy Committee and an outspoken critic of the unethical behavior now plaguing the House of Representatives, today called for an outright ban on gifts from lobbyists to members of Congress.

“What I’m calling for is simple and totally unambiguous: members of Congress should not be allowed to accept any gifts of any value from any lobbyists at any time,” said Miller. “No gifts, period, should be the rule.”

Miller made his announcement during a press conference today with House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi (Calif.), where the lawmakers urged the House to adopt a new set of principles to ensure a higher ethical standard in the House.

“These principles are intended to ensure that Congress serves the public interest, and not the special interests,” said Miller. “It is critical in our democracy that all Americans feel like they can have their voices heard. We want to amplify the people’s voice and reduce the excessive influence of lobbyists.”

Under current rules, members of Congress are allowed to accept gifts of less than $50 in value, but Miller and Pelosi said that loophole should be eliminated. “We have to rebuild the public’s confidence piece by piece,” said Miller. “We need to start now.”

Representatives Martin Meehan (D-MA) and Rahm Emanuel (D-IL) last week announced legislation to clean up the relationship between lobbyists and members of Congress in four ways, by: increasing disclosure of lobbying activities, slowing the ‘revolving door’ between government and lobbying, ending lobbyist-sponsored junkets, and toughening enforcement and oversight.

Miller and Pelosi support the Meehan/Emmanuel bill and today called on House Republican leaders to join them in pushing for real reform of the ethical behavior of lawmakers and lobbyists.

6/21/2005 Article from Roll Call
No More $49.99 Gifts If Miller’s Bill Passes

To see the principles outlined by Miller and Pelosi at today’s press conference, visit: http://www.house.gov/georgemiller/newweb/houseethics.pdf (pdf file).

For more information on the Meehan-Emanuel legislation, visit: http://www.house.gov/meehan/issues-lobbyingreform.html.