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

DATE: WEDNESDAY, July 26, 1995                   TAG: 9507260034
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

SENATE TOUGHENS RULES ON LOBBYISTS' DISCLOSURE

The Senate overwhelmingly approved stricter disclosure requirements for lobbyists on Tuesday, but remained bogged down on the more difficult issue of whether to disallow lobbyists' gifts to lawmakers, including meals, vacations and entertainment.

Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., said he hoped the gifts issue could be brought to a vote later this week, but indicated the decision would likely be a stark choice between an essentially status-quo bill proposed by Republicans and a virtual ban on gifts being sought by Democrats.

``I don't see a great deal of hope for resolution of that issue,'' Levin said. ``I don't see a lot of daylight. We're going to keep trying.''

Meanwhile, the Senate voted 98-0 for a reform bill that would force more lobbyists to disclose whom they represent, how much they are paid and on which issues they are lobbying. Current registration law is so full of loopholes that it is unenforced and widely ignored.

- Associated Press

by CNB