Wednesday, March 08, 2006

6:10 Senator Frist Files Cloture on Lobbying Reform Bill Senator Frist filed cloture on the lobbying reform bill and adjourned for the evening.  The Senate stood in a quorum call for most of the afternoon after Senator Schumer filed an amendment to the lobbying reform bill that would block the Dubai ports deal.  6:15:06 PM

12:10 Reid Amendment Fails The Reid substitute amendment failed by a vote of 44-55.  12:16:51 PM

11:30 First Roll Call Vote of the Day The Senate is now voting on a Reid substitute amendment to the Lobbying Reform bill.  The substitute amendment consists of provisions taken from the Honest Leadership Act, a lobbying reform bill introduced earlier this year by Senator Reid and supported by almost the entire Democratic Caucus. The Reid amendment would establish disclosure and recusal requirements when negotiating private sector employment; increase civil and criminal penalties under the Lobbying Disclosure Act; outlaw the "K Street Project"; require a final vote on conference reports in a public meeting; and prohibit receiving meals and gifts from lobbyists.  11:35:58 AM

10:30 Senator Dodd Describes Reid Substitute Amendment Senator Chris Dodd, the Ranking Member of the Rules and Administration Committee, is discussing the lobbying reform legislation. Senator Dodd is describing a substitute amendment which has been introduced by the Minority Leader, Senator Harry Reid, which he urges his colleagues to support.  Senator Reid's amendment bans all gifts, including meals from lobbyists. Additionally, this amendment addresses the issue of members of Congress and senior staff leaving Capitol Hill to become lobbyists, the issue of Congressional travel, and the so-called K Street project.  Senator Dodd believes the Reid proposal is stronger than the current legislation pending on the Floor and he asks his colleauges to support it. 10:39:46 AM

9:30 Opening Remarks of Senator Frist The Senate convened at 9:30 this morning with opening remarks by Senator Frist.  Following a 30 minute period of morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.2349, the lobbying reform bill.  Roll call votes are expected throughout the day.  9:41:13 AM