Category Archives: conflict of interest laws
“Boehner, Pelosi Reappoint Board of Ethics Watchdog”
National Journal: “The independent Office of Congressional Ethics officially received the green light Wednesday to continue its watchdog work, with the formal reappointments of its board members by House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio, and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif.”
“Microsoft, AT&T among corporate donors to inauguration”
WaPo: “Fewer than a dozen corporations have donated to the official Presidential Inaugural Committee, compared with more than 400 individuals who have given $200 or more. Contribution amounts were not released.”
“House Ethics Amends Private Travel Rules”
Roll Call:
The House Ethics Committee announced on Thursday that it has adopted new regulations for accepting privately financed congressional travel, including heightened disclosure requirements and earlier approval deadlines.
The changes were the result of a working group convened by… Continue reading
“For Outgoing Lawmakers, Connections Mean Chance to Cash In”
Open Secrets and CBS News reports.
Meanwhile Sen. Bob Bennett is angry he had to wait two years after leaving office before being able to cash in as a lobbyist.
“In Congress, relatives lobby on bills before family members”
WaPo: “In 2007, in the wake of the biggest lobbying scandal in decades, Congress limited the ability of family members to lobby their relatives in the House or Senate. But it declined to ban the practice entirely. Since then,… Continue reading
“Ethics restrictions so strict they undermine democracy”
“Korean Ammo Manufacturer and Polluter Gives Harkin Institute 500,000 Dollar Coins
Jeff Patch reports for the Iowa Republican.
“For Corporate Donors, Inauguration Details”
NYT: ” President Obama’s finance team is offering corporations and other institutions that contribute $1 million exclusive access to an array of inaugural festivities, including tickets to a ‘benefactors reception,’ a children’s concert, a candlelight celebration at the… Continue reading
“Beyond the Fiscal Cliff”
NYT editorial: “As Congress waits for negotiators to resolve the budget standoff, there is other worthy business that could be accomplished, particularly in political ethics.”
“Senate OKs Bill to Allow Most State, Local Government Employees to Seek Elected Office”
Bloomberg BNA: “Most state and local government employees would be permitted to run for partisan political office without violating the Hatch Act under legislation (S. 2170) approved by the Senate Nov. 30 by unanimous consent.”
“Treasury Says Firm Discussed Tax Break”
NYT: “The Treasury Department said Thursday that a communications firm with close ties to President Obama talked to the administration about allowing tax breaks for its corporate clients on more than $1 trillion in offshore revenues.”
“Two Roles: Obama Campaign Adviser and Corporate Strategist”
NYT: “In the rarefied world of political consultants who straddle the line between campaign adviser and corporate strategist, Anita Dunn has few peers.”