
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 6, 1993                   TAG: 9305060217
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

SENATE OKS DISCLOSURE OF GIFTS FROM LOBBYISTS

As part of a new lobbyist registration bill, the Senate voted Wednesday to require lobbyists to publicly disclose any gift to members of Congress worth more than $20.

The move is designed to address what its sponsor, Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., called "a systemic corruption" in Washington politics. Americans believe that monied interests able to pay for meals, travel and entertainment for lawmakers have hijacked their government, Wellstone said.

On a voice vote, the Senate agreed to require reporting of any gift to members of the House and Senate and their staffs valued at more than $20, or gifts that total more than $50 in a year. Only items of minimal value like greeting cards, or coffee and donuts, are exempted.

The provision also would require lobbyists who sponsor fund-raisers for members of Congress to report how much they spend on the events and how much is raised.

by CNB