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

Bill Text
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: 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: 01/05/2007 - Considered as unfinished business.

Bill Text
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: 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 Action: 02/27/2007 - Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security. Hearings held.

Bill Text
A bill providing greater transparency with respect to lobbying activities, and for other purposes. 1/4/2007--Introduced. Lobbying, Ethics, and Earmarks Transparency and Accountability Act of 2007 - Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) with respect to lobbying disclosures reports, including electronic filing and mandatory free availability to the public over the Internet. Amends Rule XXXVII (Conflict of Interest) of the Standing Rules of the Senate to impose a one-year lobbying moratorium on departing Member or committee staff. Amends the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act to allow U.S. officers and employees assigned to an Indian tribe, and former U.S. officers and employees employed by Indian tribes, to act as agents or attorneys for, or appear on behalf of, such tribes in connection with any matter pending before any department, agency, court, or commission. Requires public disclosure by Members of Congress of employment [...]

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Latest Action: 02/15/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.

Bill Text
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to clarify the treatment of reimbursements to Members for the use of personally owned airplanes in the performance of official or campaign travel.

2/15/2007--Introduced.

Amends Rule XXIII (Code of Official Conduct) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that when a Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner uses his or her personally owned airplane in the performance of official or campaign travel, he or she may be reimbursed, on a rate per mile basis, for the cost of such use from official or campaign funds, respectively.

Latest Action: 01/09/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to provide greater transparency in the legislative process. 1/9/2007--Introduced. Lobbying and Ethics Reform Act of 2007 - Revises the Standing Rules of the Senate or prescribes requirements with respect to: (1) conference reports; (2) elimination of certain floor privileges and other benefits and privileges for former Members, Senate officers, and Speakers of the House who are lobbyists or seek financial gain; (3) a ban on gifts from lobbyists; (4) travel restrictions and disclosure; (5) post-employment restrictions; (6) public disclosure by Members of employment negotiations; (7) conflicts of interest with respect to a Member's spouse or immediate family members; (8) a Member's use of influence on certain hiring decisions; and (9) notices of intent to object to proceeding to a measure or matter. Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) and the Foreign Agents Registration Act with respect to various specified disclosures by registered lobbyists [...]

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Latest Action: 05/02/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.

Bill Text
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to clarify certain matters relating to official conduct. 5/2/2007--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.) Amends Rule XXIII (Code of Official Conduct) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to authorize a Member of Congress to use personal, official, or campaign funds for a flight on an aircraft that is operated: (1) by an air carrier or commercial operator certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the flight is required to be conducted under air carrier safety rules; or (2) in the case of travel abroad, by an air carrier or commercial operator certificated by an appropriate foreign civil aviation authority, and the flight is similarly required to be conducted under air carrier safety rules. Allows the use of such funds also if [...]

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Latest Legislation - View All

Latest Action: 07/10/2007 - Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on House Administration, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdi

Bill Text
To prohibit the use of Federal funds in support of any travel undertaken by the President, Vice President, or certain other executive branch officials which includes the attendance by the official at any political campaign or fundraising event unless the sponsor of the event reimburses the Federal government for the actual costs incurred in support of the travel, and for other purposes. 7/10/2007--Introduced. Campaign Taxpayer Reimbursement Act of 2007 - Prohibits the use of federal funds to carry out or support any travel undertaken by a covered executive branch official away from his or her designated post of duty if at any time while the official is away he or she attends any political campaign or fundraising event, unless the official's office is reimbursed by the appropriate political committee for the actual travel costs incurred. Makes special rules for presidential and vice presidential travel. Applies this Act to travel by Members of the House of Representatives.[...]

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Latest Action: 06/04/2007 - Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 182.

Bill Text
To provide more rigorous requirements with respect to disclosure and enforcement of lobbying laws and regulations, and for other purposes. 5/24/2007--Passed House amended.    (There are 2 other summaries) Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 - Title I: Closing the Revolving Door - (Sec. 101) Amends the Rules of the House of Representatives to add Rule XXVII (Disclosure by Members and Staff of Employment Negotiations). Prohibits a Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner (Member) from directly negotiating or having any agreement of future employment or compensation until after the election for his or her successor, unless such Member files a statement about such negotiations or agreement with the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct within three business days after their commencement. Requires inclusion in such a statement of: (1) the name of the private entity or entities involved in the negotiations or agreement; (2) [...]

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Latest Action: 05/02/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.

Bill Text
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to clarify certain matters relating to official conduct. 5/2/2007--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.) Amends Rule XXIII (Code of Official Conduct) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to authorize a Member of Congress to use personal, official, or campaign funds for a flight on an aircraft that is operated: (1) by an air carrier or commercial operator certificated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the flight is required to be conducted under air carrier safety rules; or (2) in the case of travel abroad, by an air carrier or commercial operator certificated by an appropriate foreign civil aviation authority, and the flight is similarly required to be conducted under air carrier safety rules. Allows the use of such funds also if [...]

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Latest Action: 03/15/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Rules.

Bill Text
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to limit gifts to Members, officers, and employees of the House from State and local governments.

3/15/2007--Introduced.

Amends Rule XXV (Limitations on Outside Earned Income and Acceptance of Gifts) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to prohibit gifts to Members, officers, and employees of the House from state and local governments.

Allows Members, officers, or employees of the House to accept from a state or local government reimbursement (including payment in kind) for necessary transportation, lodging, and related expenses for travel to a meeting, speaking engagement, factfinding trip, or similar event related to officeholder duties.

Latest Action: 02/15/2007 - Referred to the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct.

Bill Text
Amending the Rules of the House of Representatives to clarify the treatment of reimbursements to Members for the use of personally owned airplanes in the performance of official or campaign travel.

2/15/2007--Introduced.

Amends Rule XXIII (Code of Official Conduct) of the Rules of the House of Representatives to provide that when a Member, Delegate, or Resident Commissioner uses his or her personally owned airplane in the performance of official or campaign travel, he or she may be reimbursed, on a rate per mile basis, for the cost of such use from official or campaign funds, respectively.

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

Bill Text
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: 03/01/2007 - Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties.

Bill Text
To amend the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to require lobbyists to disclose the candidates, leadership PACs, and political party committees for whom they collect or arrange contributions, and for other purposes.

1/23/2007--Introduced.

Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to require a lobbyist, registrant, or political committee established or administered by the registrant to file quarterly contribution reports that include, but are not limited to, the names of federal candidates or officerholders, leadership PACs, and political party committees (except for committees of a political party) for whom they collect or arrange contributions.

Latest Action: 02/02/2007 - Signed by President.

Bill Text
To revise the composition of the House of Representatives Page Board to equalize the number of members representing the majority and minority parties and to include a member representing the parents of pages and a member representing former pages, and for other purposes. 2/2/2007--Public Law.    (There are 3 other summaries) (This measure has not been amended since it was introduced. The expanded summary of the House passed version is repeated here.) House Page Board Revision Act of 2007 - Amends House Resolution 611, 97th Congress, agreed to November 30, 1982, as enacted into permanent law, to increase from one to two the number of Members of the House appointed to the House Page Board by the House minority leader. Requires the one-year (renewable) appointment to the Page Board, jointly by the Speaker and the minority leader, of: (1) one individual who, at any time during the five-year period ending on the date of his or her appointment,[...]

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Latest Action: 01/09/2007 - Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Bill Text
A bill to provide greater transparency in the legislative process. 1/9/2007--Introduced. Lobbying and Ethics Reform Act of 2007 - Revises the Standing Rules of the Senate or prescribes requirements with respect to: (1) conference reports; (2) elimination of certain floor privileges and other benefits and privileges for former Members, Senate officers, and Speakers of the House who are lobbyists or seek financial gain; (3) a ban on gifts from lobbyists; (4) travel restrictions and disclosure; (5) post-employment restrictions; (6) public disclosure by Members of employment negotiations; (7) conflicts of interest with respect to a Member's spouse or immediate family members; (8) a Member's use of influence on certain hiring decisions; and (9) notices of intent to object to proceeding to a measure or matter. Amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA) and the Foreign Agents Registration Act with respect to various specified disclosures by registered lobbyists [...]

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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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