Congress fiddles with ethics rule

Chapel Hill News; 5/11/03; Marnie Clark

In 1995, Congress passed an ethics rule that prevented lobbyists and special interests from currying the favor of members of Congress by wining and dining them, providing all-expense-paid vacations, etc. This was passed to protect people's faith in the integrity of Congress.

On the first day of the 108th Congress, Tom DeLay tucked a new rule rolling back that law into the middle of that day's business, the day a package of ‘rules" ? operating guidelines for the House of Representatives ? is routinely adopted for the new Congress. There was no notice, no public scrutiny. Most members were unaware the new rule was there. It was adopted.

What was in it for Tom DeLay? He has a charity that holds an annual fund-raising golf tournament. The new rule permits him to offer free airfare and lodging to House members, allowing corporate lobbyists also attending to have priceless time with lawmakers.

This is the kind of shenanigans that make citizens cynical about our government. It trashes the confidence citizens need to make a democracy work.