House Passes Ethics Reform

And passes it big time: 411 to 8—proving the GOP really didn't care about ethics when they were in charge but sure do now that the Dems are running the show.

Wev. As long as it passed.

Some self-described watchdog groups called the measure, which now goes to the Senate, the most significant congressional reform in years.

...The House-passed bill would:

— Prohibit lobbyists and their clients from giving gifts, including meals and tickets, to senators and their staffs. The House adopted a gift ban in January.

— Require senators and candidates for the Senate or White House to pay charter rates for trips on private planes. House candidates would be barred from accepting trips on private planes.

— Require lobbyists to disclose payments they make to presidential libraries, inaugural committees or organizations controlled by or named for members of Congress.

— Bar lawmakers from attending large parties given in their honor by lobbyists at national political conventions.

— Bar lawmakers and their aides from trying to influence hiring decisions by lobbying firms and others in exchange for political access.

— Deny retirement benefits to members of Congress convicted of bribery, perjury or similar crimes.

Kind of amazing they had to pass rules against some of this stuff. Yeesh.