Top Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 09/14/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
A bill to provide greater transparency in the legislative process. 9/14/2007--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the House on July 31, 2007. The summary of that version is repeated here.)Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 - Title I: Closing the Revolving Door - (Sec. 101) Amends the federal criminal code to extend from one to two years the ban on lobbying contacts by former: (1) very senior executive personnel with any Member, officer, or employee of the entity in which such person served before his or her tenure terminated; and (2) Senators with any Member, officer or employee of either chamber, or employee of any other legislative office.Continues the one-year ban on lobbying contacts by former: (1) Members of the House of Representatives with any Member, officer, or employee of either chamber, or employee of any other legislative office; (2) [...]

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Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Bill Text
To amend the Rules of the House of Representatives to reform the ethics process, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Accountability and Transparency in Ethics Act - Establishes an independent Investigations Commission within the legislative branch. Requires annual ethics training for Members and employees of the House of Representatives and for registered lobbyists. Amends Rule XXV (Limitations on Outside Earned Income and Acceptance of Gifts) of the Rules of the House to require advance authorization by the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct of any privately-funded trip by any Member, officer, or employee of the House. Amends such Rule and Rule XXXV (Gifts) of the Standing Rules of the Senate with respect to: (1) the market value of a flight on an airplane not licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate for compensation or hire; (2) a ban on gifts worth less than $50; and (3) disbursements for a national party convention [...]

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Latest Action: 01/12/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E88)

Bill Text
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to ensure that Members have a reasonable amount of time to read legislation that will be voted upon. 1/12/2007--Introduced. Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish a new Rule XXIX to prohibit any vote by the House on any bill, joint resolution, conference report, or amendment unless: (1) the text of the measure has been available to all Members and their staffs in both printed and electronic format for at least 10 days; and (2) any amendment that makes substantive changes has been made available for at least 72 hours. Makes exceptions for: (1) legislation containing classified information if Members have at least seven days to study the contents; and (2) congressional declarations of war or authorization of military force to respond to attacks on the United States. Deems any Member who votes for a measure in violation of such Rule to have violated House ethics rules and to be subject to censure.[...]

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Latest Action: 01/24/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H948)

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Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to clarify and make corrections to the House ban on air travel. 1/24/2007--Introduced. Amends Rule XXIII (Code of Official Conduct) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to revise the new prohibition against the use by a Member, Delegate or Resident Commissioner of personal funds, official funds, or campaign funds for a flight on a nongovernmental plane that is not licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate for compensation or hire. Changes the prohibition to one against the use of such funds for a flight on a nongovernmental plane that is owned or operated by a registered lobbyist or agent of a foreign principal (or from a private entity retaining or employing such individuals), except for flights: (1) on regularly scheduled air carriers; (2) at the public rate on chartered aircraft where seats are generally available to the public; and (3) on aircraft used in support of official duties [...]

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Latest Action: 07/31/2007 - Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR H9191-9192)

Bill Text
To amend title 5, United States Code, to deny retirement benefits accrued by an individual as a Member of Congress if such individual is convicted of any of certain offenses. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Congressional Integrity and Pension Forfeiture Act of 2007 - Amends federal civil service law, with respect to both the Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and the Federal Employees' Retirement System (FERS), to require the Office of Personnel and Management (OPM) to prescribe regulations that deny eligibility under CSRS or FERS for a Member convicted of certain offenses that are: (1) committed by the individual while a Member, (2) related to the individual's service as a Member, and (3) after enactment of this Act. Refunds annuity contributions and deposits, excluding interest earned, to a convicted individual. Defines Member as the Vice President, a member of the Senate or the House of Representatives, a Delegate to the House of Representatives, and the Resident Commissioner [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Rules and Administration.

Bill Text
A bill to require disclosure and payment of noncommercial air travel in the Senate. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Amends Rule XXXV (Gifts) of the Standing Rules of the Senate to require a Member, officer, or employee of the Senate to: (1) disclose a flight taken in connection with official duties on an aircraft that is not licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate for compensation or hire (unless it is owned, operated, or leased by a governmental entity); (2) reimburse the aircraft's owner or lessee for the pro rata share of the flight's fair market value; and (3) report to the Secretary of the Senate specified information about the trip, including its purpose and the persons on it (other than the pilot). Declares that the fair market value of noncommercial air travel is the fair market value of the normal and usual charter fare or rental charge for a comparable plane of appropriate size. Amends Rule XXXVIII (Prohibition of Unofficial Office Accounts) [...]

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Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.

Bill Text
A bill to prohibit the spouse of a Member of Congress previously employed as a lobbyist from lobbying the Member after the Member is elected.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Amends the federal criminal code to subject to criminal penalties the spouse of a Member of Congress who knowingly lobbies on behalf of a client for compensation any Member of Congress, or is associated with any such lobbying activity by the spouse's employer, if that spouse was not serving as a registered lobbyist at least one year before the spouse Member's election.

Latest Action: 01/05/2007 - Considered as unfinished business.

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Adopting the Rules of the House of Representatives for the One Hundred Tenth Congress. 1/5/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary has been expanded because action occurred on the measure.) Title I: Adoption of Rules of One Hundred Ninth Congress - (Sec. 101) Adopts the Rules of the House of Representatives for the 109th Congress as the Rules for the 110th Congress, with amendments. Title II: Ethics - (Sec. 202) Amends Rule XXIII (Code of Official Conduct) to prohibit Members, with the intent to influence on the basis of partisan political affiliation an employment decision or practice of private entities, from: (1) taking or withholding, or offering or threatening to to take or withhold, an official act; or (2) influencing, or offering or threatening to influence, the official act of another. (Sec. 203) Amends Rule [...]

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Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, and Homeland Security.

Bill Text
To amend section 207 of title 18, United States Code, to further restrict Federal officers and employees from representing or advising foreign entities after leaving Government service.

1/4/2007--Introduced.

Foreign Agents Compulsory Ethics in Trade Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose: (1) a permanent restriction (currently, one year) on certain officers and employees of the federal government who have terminated their service or employment from advising or representing for compensation foreign governments or political parties in matters in which the United States is a party or has a direct and substantial interest; and (2) a five-year restriction on such officers and employees from similarly advising or representing foreign individuals, corporations, or other business entities.

Latest Action: 01/04/2007 - Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee con

Bill Text
To amend the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 and the Rules of the House of Representatives to strengthen financial disclosures and to require precertification of privately-funded travel, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Sunlight Act of 2007 - Amends Rule XXV (Limitations on Outside Earned Income and Acceptance of Gifts) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to require a Member of the House, officer, or employee, before taking a privately-funded trip, to: (1) provide certain travel-related information to the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct, and agree to provide expenses reimbursed or to be reimbursed after the trip's completion; and (2) receive the Committee's precertification of such proposed trip. Prohibits any such privately-funded trip unless the Committee determines that it complies with all applicable rules of the House. Amends the Ethics in Government Act of 1978 to require annual financial disclosure statements of Members of Congress [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 04/24/2008 - Considered as privileged matter. (consideration: CR H2737)

Bill Text
Providing additional amounts for the expenses of the select committee established under House Resolution 611.

4/24/2008--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Provides additional funds for expenses of the House Select Committee established under H.Res. 611 to investigate the circumstances on August 2, 2007, surrounding the record vote requested on the motion to recommit H.R. 3161, including the Chair's ruling over the Parliamentarian's objections.

Latest Action: 03/12/2008 - Considered as privileged matter. (consideration: CR H1543-1544; text of measure as introduced: CR H1544)

Bill Text
Raising a question of the privileges of the House. 3/12/2008--Introduced. Declares that the House: (1) denounces any violations of House rules by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other Members of the Democratic leadership in the strongest terms possible; (2) rejects the practices of holding votes open beyond a reasonable period of time for the sole purpose of circumventing the will of the House; and (3) directs the Speaker to take such steps as necessary to prevent any further abuse. Vacates the votes on ordering the previous question and adoption of House Resolution 1031 (adopting H.Res. 895). Directs the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to investigate and report to the House on: (1) violations of House rules by the Speaker and such Members; and (2) its findings and recommendations to the House, including a recommendation regarding the appropriate actions for the Speaker's activities. Directs the Select Committee to Investigate the Voting Irregularities [...]

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Latest Action: 03/04/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Rules.

Bill Text
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to establish the House Ethics Commission.

3/4/2008--Introduced.

Establishes within the House of Representatives an independent House Ethics Commission.

Amends Rule XI (Procedures of Committees and Unfinished Business) of the Rules of the House to revise the duties of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to conform with this Act.

Latest Action: 02/27/2008 - Referred to the House Committee on Rules.

Bill Text
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide increased accountability and transparency in the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. 2/27/2008--Introduced. Amends Rule X (Organization of Committees) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to revise the composition of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Requires Committee members to be appointed jointly by the Speaker of the House and the minority leader: three from the majority party, three from the minority party, and four former Members who have not been registered lobbyists for the last two years. (Currently the Speaker picks five and the minority leader picks five.) Limits chairmanship of the Committee to a current Member only. Rotates chairmanship of the Committee between the two parties from Congress to Congress after the 111th Congress, regardless of which party is in the majority. Requires the chairmanship for the 111th Congress to be held by a member of the majority [...]

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Latest Action: 03/11/2008 - Pursuant to the provisions of H. Res. 1031, H. Res. 895 is considered passed House as amended. (consideration: CR H1534-1537; text as passed: CR H1534-1536)

Bill Text
Establishing within the House of Representatives an Office of Congressional Ethics, and for other purposes. 3/11/2008--Passed House amended.    (There is 1 other summary) (Sec. 1) Establishes an independent Office of Congressional Ethics in the House of Representatives. Establishes a board to govern the Office, consisting of six individuals, three of them nominated by the Speaker of the House, subject to the Minority Leader's concurrence, and three by the Minority Leader, subject to the Speaker's concurrence. Requires the Speaker and the Minority Leader each to nominate an alternate board member, subject to their respective concurrence. Sets forth: (1) procedures for filling vacancies on the board; and (2) eligibility qualifications of board members. Requires the Speaker to designate one member of the board as chairman, and the Minority Leader to designate one as cochairman. Declares that selection and appointment of [...]

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Latest Action: 11/15/2007 - Referred to the Committee on House Administration, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee con

Bill Text
To establish a House ethics commission, and for other purposes.

11/15/2007--Introduced.

Establishing The House Independent Commission on Standards Act - Establishes within the legislative branch The House Independent Commission on Standards.

Amends Rule XI (Procedures of Committees and Unfinished Business) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to transfer to the Commission certain recommendations for administrative action and investigative duties of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct regarding Members, Delegates, the Resident Commissioner, and House officers and employees.

Latest Action: 10/10/2007 - Considered as privileged matter.

Bill Text
Providing for the expenses of the select committee established under House Resolution 611.

10/10/2007--Passed House without amendment.    (There is 1 other summary)

(This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.)

Provides amounts for expenses of the House Select Committee established under H.Res. 611 (raising a question of the privileges of the House) to: (1) investigate the circumstances surrounding the record vote requested on the motion to recommit to H.R. 3161 (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008), including the Chair's ruling over the Parliamentarian's objections; and (2) report to the House on certain actions and recommendations.

Latest Action: 12/26/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To amend the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 to permit individuals who have served as employees of the Office of Compliance to serve as Executive Director, Deputy Executive Director, or General Counsel of the Office, and to permit individuals appointed to such positions to serve one additional term. 12/26/2007--Public Law.    (There are 4 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Amends the Congressional Accountability Act of 1995 with respect to the prohibition against any member of the Board of Directors of the Office of Compliance (OC) having held a position as a Member, officer, or employee of the House of Representatives or the Senate, or of certain other legislative branch instrumentalities or entities, within four years of the date of appointment to the OC Board. (The Act also applies such disqualifications to the OC positions of Executive Director,[...]

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Latest Action: 08/04/2007 - Considered as privileged matter. (consideration: CR H9914 text of measure as introduced: CR H9914)

Bill Text
Raising a question of the privileges of the House.

8/4/2007--Introduced.

Directs the Select Committee to Investigate the Voting Irregularities of August 2, 2007, to investigate and include in its initial report findings and resulting recommendations concerning the actions of a specified Member while presiding over the House of Representatives on August 3, 2007, at the time the Republican Leader offered H. Res. 612 (raising a question of the privileges of the House) and the actions which led to the differences between the statements in the Congressional Record and those actually spoken on that day.

Requires the Congressional Record for the legislative day of August 3, 2007, to be corrected to reflect verbatim the words actually spoken during consideration of H. Res. 612.

Latest Action: 08/03/2007 - WITHDRAWAL OF PRIVILEGED RESOLUTION - Mr. Hoyer asked unanimous consent that the privileged resolution be withdrawn. Agreed to without objection.

Bill Text
Raising a question of the privileges of the House.

8/3/2007--Introduced.

Requires the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct to review immediately the regularity of events surrounding the vote on the motion to recommit on H.R. 3161 (Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2008), which occurred on August 2, 2007, and report back to the House of Representatives.