Congressman Lamar Smith 21st district of Texas

Washington, May 25, 2007 - The House of Representatives this week passed measures offered by Judiciary Ranking Member Lamar Smith (R-TX) that would strengthen disclosure of political campaign contributions and lobbying activities.

“The public wants and deserves open and honest government,” asserted Ranking Member Smith.

Smith’s measure, which was added to the House lobbying reform legislation approved on Thursday, would close a loophole that exempts political action committees from disclosing “bundled” contributions to candidates. Bundled contributions are campaign donations from several groups or individuals that are given as a single contribution and credited to the lobbyist who solicited them. Smith’s proposal would require each lobbyist who gets that credit to be identified.

Later in the day, the House passed an additional measure, which Smith helped author that would close a loophole allowing state and local government entities to give gifts and travel to Members and staff that other entities can’t give.

This measure also contained a “reverse revolving door” provision that would prohibit lobbyists who become congressional employees from receiving any official communication with their former private employer for a period of one year.

“I am pleased that Congress acted in a bipartisan way to improve disclosure,” concluded Smith. “This bill will make for more open and more responsive government.”