RAR: Republicans Against Reform
by TChris
Hoping to continue benefitting from the culture of corruption, some House Republicans are complaining that their leaders are "overreacting" to Republican scandals. They oppose proposed reforms.
In a tense, 3 1/2 -hour closed-door session, many Republicans challenged virtually every element of the leadership's proposal, from a blanket ban on privately funded travel to stricter limits on gifts to an end to gym privileges for lawmakers-turned-lobbyists.
No gifts? No transportation on corporate jets? What's the point of being a Republican legislator if you can't cash in?
As a consequence, reform proposals are delayed.
House Rules Committee Chairman David Dreier (R-Calif.), who was to unveil a draft of the full lobbying reform package yesterday, instead announced it was not ready.