• Republicans and Democrats Scurry to Produce Lobbying Reform
• Alito’s Confirmation to the Supreme Court Looks Secure
• NWBC Presents White House Briefing and Honors New Chair
• Member Poll: Looking Back at 2005

Republicans and Democrats Scurry to Produce Lobbying Reform

In the midst of the House leadership shakeup, lobbying reform tops the legislative agenda for both Republicans and Democrats. While this sudden rush for reform stems from the charges against Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX) and Rep. Bob Ney (R-OH) in conjunction with lobbyist Jack Abramoff, Republicans and Democrats have no trouble pointing out the lobbying perks experienced by legislators in both parties over the years. Members of Congress in both chambers and from both parties have introduced lobbying reform bills. Many proposals call for limits on gifts, including meals, bans on privately funded travel, and an extension in the time away required before a former member of Congress or staffer can lobby on Capitol Hill. One potential problem in these proposals is enforcement of new rules. There does not currently exist any agency or group to enforce old lobbying regulations, and neither of the proposals include provisions to create an enforcer. That takes the bite out of most of these policy changes. Another issue that legislators are scrambling to address is that of earmarking. Earmarks, often referred to as “pork,” are placed in legislation to fund specific projects without review by the committees. They are usually localized to a particular constituency, such as a legislator earmarking funds for a park in his district. As such, earmarks are often touted by incumbent politicians during reelection time to show constituents what they have done for the state or district during their time in Washington. One of the main issues with earmarks is that they are usually entered into legislation during private negotiations while bills are in conference between the House and the Senate. This means they are never debated before the full House or full Senate. Some legislators are calling for a more open earmarking process where more limits are imposed on the amount of earmarking. Some also want to require lawmakers to disclose the origin of the spending. Others still want to require members to disclose any financial interest or control they might have in potential earmarks and prohibit last minute insertions. Regardless of which proposal makes it through the House and Senate (there are currently five versions floating around), the consensus is that some form of lobbying reform will occur this year. The NASE will continue to keep you informed of progression with this legislation. Let your Members of Congress know how you feel about lobbying reform by visiting the NASE Legislative Action Center at http://advocacy.NASE.org. Alito’s Confirmation to the Supreme Court Looks Secure Samuel Alito This week the Senate Judiciary Committee gave Samuel Alito’s nomination to the Supreme Court a favorable recommendation to the Senate. The recommendation was a party-line vote with all 10 Republicans voting for Alito and all eight Democrats voting against Alito. A similar party-line split is predicted in the full Senate vote, which is expected to occur this Friday following final debate. Only one Democrat has come out in support of Alito thus far, although there is no indication that Democrats will attempt to stop the nomination with a filibuster. “This is a nomination that I fear threatens the fundamental rights and liberties of all Americans now and for generations to come,” Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) said. Leahy did vote to confirm Chief Justice John Roberts in September, who, like Alito, was nominated by President Bush. The White House and Senate Republicans applauded the committee’s approval of Alito. "Like America's founders, Judge Alito clearly believes in self-government, that the people and not judges should make law, and that judges have an important role but must know and stay in their proper place," said Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-UT). Tell your Senators how you feel about Samuel Alito’s nomination by visiting the NASE Legislative Action Center at http://advocacy.NASE.org. NWBC Presents White House Briefing and Honors New Chair This week the NASE will attend a White House briefing by the National Women’s Business Council, which will include the honoring of the new NWBC Chair, Tami Longaberger. President Bush appointed Longaberger to a three year term as chair of the council. Longaberger is CEO of Longaberger Company, recognized as the 18th largest women-owned U.S. company by the former Working Woman magazine, according to the NWBC. “I am honored to have been appointed to the chair of the National Women’s Business Council, the only federal advisory body tasked to represent the interests of the women’s business community in national policy discussions,” said Longaberger. Member Poll: Looking Back at 2005 With a new year ahead, many business owners take the time to evaluate the previous year and determine their business strategy for the year ahead. Tell the NASE how you your business fared in 2005 in this month’s online poll. Let the NASE know your opinions by visiting the MyNASE Web site at http://my.NASE.org/. Log in to your free MyNASE Web Account. If you have not set up an account, you can do so at http://my.NASE.org/ with your member number. Let your voice be heard in the association by taking this survey during the month of January.