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Lobbyist Gift Ban BULLETIN, Aug. 19, 1994
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Supporting S.1935, the Lobbyist Gift Ban Bill
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EDITORIAL

While visiting D.C. for two weeks in late July and early August this year I had some interesting observations that apply here.

First, I must say, the people on 'The Hill' still don't get it. The atmosphere around the Capitol grounds and in the House and Senate office buildings is that of a bunch of young socialites detached from the realities of the rest of America.

While I was visiting, I found a nice, inexpensive restaurant about two blocks from the Capitol, one block from the Cannon House Office Building, and across the street from the RNC. I ate there three or four times, and of course, I paid my own tab. One evening, at about 6pm, I noticed a part of the restaurant was reserved by lobbyists, with food and drink available, for staffers of specific committees and Congressional offices. As I ate my food, I watched those young and impressionable staffers file in for their free food and drink.

Having followed the lobbyist gift reform legislation in Congress this year, it was interesting to watch those experienced lobbyists in action talking to those young staffers feigning understanding while the staffers enjoyed the free food and champagne. All I could think to myself was, these people still don't get it.

With no word coming out of the conference committee considering gift ban legislation, is it possible that they are trying to kill it by taking no action? Can bills die in conference if Congress diddles long enough? Apparently they can. No vote, no bill.

I am planning to make some major phone calls on Monday saying, "Follow the laws you pass for government employees. No gifts for doing your job. Support S.1935." All of the names below can be reached at 1(800)768-2221 in addition to the phone numbers below.

The Senate is at Washington, DC 20510. The House of Representatives is at Washington, DC 20515. All phone numbers are (202) area code.

Time to kick the butts of the conferees. Since they won't tell us if they are making any progress, we have to tell them that we are angry at their diddling. Here's the hit list. Choose one or more. If you write early in the week, the letter will get there in time. Otherwise, call.

Main City Name Telephone -------------------------------------------------------------------

(House conferees) Dallas, Texas Rep. Bryant 225-2231 Musgokee, Oklahoma Rep. Synar 225-2701 Wichita, Kansas Rep. Glickman 225-6216 Poughkeepsie, New York Rep. Fish 225-5441 Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Rep. Gekas 225-4315

(Senate conferees) Michigan Sen. Levin 224-6221 Ohio Sen. Glenn 224-3353 Hawaii Sen. Akaka 224-6361 Maine Sen. Cohen 224-2523 Alaska Sen. Stevens 224-3004