Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 29, 1995 TAG: 9507310058
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A5 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
``We have ended recreational travel,'' said Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., a chief sponsor of the gift limits. ``And the worst abuses of meals and tickets [to sports and entertainment events] are over. ... It is significant gift reform.''
Final passage of the new Senate rules came on a 98-0 vote, belying the emotion and discomfort of week-long behind-the-scenes negotiations.
``I think this is one issue we want to get behind us, and I think we've done that,'' said Majority Leader Bob Dole, R-Kan., just before the final vote. ``It's always more difficult when it affects us.''
The final measure - which takes effect Jan. 1 - puts a $100 annual ceiling on gifts from any one source and makes all gifts over $10 count toward that limit. That is far stricter than current rules, which allow lawmakers to accept unlimited numbers of gifts, so long as they are worth under $100 each.
The change also prohibits senators from accepting free transportation and lodging for ski, tennis and golf events that are used to raise money for charity but at the same time provide access to lawmakers for the wealthy interests that can afford tickets to the events.
Because what the Senate adopted was a change in its own rules, it does not affect the House of Representatives, where GOP leaders have expressed little interest in the issue. Nor does it require House concurrence.
But Levin said the Senate's overwhelming vote would put pressure on the House. ``I predict they will follow suit very soon,'' he said.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., who helped write the bill, said it tells Americans ``that we will live like they do,'' without special perks. ``It's not a question of corruption, it's a question of lifestyle.''
``We didn't accomplish everything we wanted, but it is significant gift reform,'' added Levin. ``While it may not be a home run, the Senate hit a triple here today.''
The Senate settled on the final shape of its new rule after first accepting a weakening amendment by Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., and then partially reversing it.
The Lott amendment, adopted 54-46, doubled the initial aggregate gift ceiling to $100 and said any gift under $50 could not be counted toward it. ``I can't believe anybody can be bought for a meal or a bunch of meals,'' Lott said in arguing for the change.
But later, senators reversed course and toughened the bill by adopting on a voice vote an amendment offered by Sen. Paul Wellstone, D-Minn., that would make all gifts over $10 count toward the $100 limit.
Without the change, supporters of gift reform might have been forced to vote against their own bill. But Lott accepted Wellstone's change to avoid a potentially embarrassing floor fight, Levin said.
Lawmakers of both parties said the final result should help reassure Americans that special interests have one fewer unfair advantage in Washington.
``Too often there is the perception that legislation is being unduly influenced by special interests,'' said another supporter, Sen. William Cohen, R-Maine. ``This is a major step forward.''
Senators rejected another proposed weakening amendment, offered by Sen. Frank Murkowski, R-Alaska, that would have kept alive the practice of accepting free travel and lodging for charity fund-raisers like tennis, golf and ski outings. That vote was 60-39.
by CNB