A bill to provide for congressional gift reform.

Summary

Amends rules XXXV of the Senate and XLIII of the House of Representatives to revise provisions governing the receipt of gifts by Members, officers, or employees of Congress (Members). Prohibits a Member from knowingly accepting from a lobbyist or agent of a foreign principal certain gifts, including: (1) anything that is paid for, charged to, or reimbursed by a client or firm of a lobbyist or agent; (2) anything that is maintained or controlled by the Member; (3) charitable contributions made on the basis of a designation, recommendation, or other specification by the Member or in lieu of an honorarium to the Member; (4) contributions to the Member's legal expense fund; and (5) financial contributions relating to a conference or similar event given for or on behalf of Members. Specifies what are not prohibited gifts, including: (1) benefits that result from the employment or outside activities of a spouse and that are routinely provided to others; (2) informational material sent to a Senate or House office; and (3) gifts for a nonbusiness purpose by a family member or close personal friend. Sets forth factors for determining whether the gift was made for nonbusiness purpose and by a family relationship or close personal friendship. Bans gifts from persons other than lobbyists and agents, including items given to a Member's spouse or dependent, with the Member's knowledge and acquiescence, because of the Member's official position. Specifies what are not banned gifts, including: (1) lawful campaign contributions or attendance at fund raising events; (2) anything provided by a close personal friend or relative unless motivated by the recipient's official position; (3) contributions to a Member's legal expense fund if the donor is identified for the Senate Select Committee on Ethics or the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct; (4) food or refreshments with a value of less than $20; (5) other benefits resulting from outside business or employment; (6) information materials sent to a Senate or House office; (7) training that is in the interest of the Senate or House; (8) a gift of personal hospitality of an individual; (9) certain opportunities and benefits provided to the public or to Government employees generally; (10) a plaque, trophy, or other memento of nominal value; and (11) anything else granted a waiver by the Senate Select Committee on Ethics and House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct. Establishes conditions under which a Member may accept an offer of free attendance at a convention, dinner, or similar event. Prohibits the acceptance of a gift with a value greater than $250 on the basis of a personal relationship exception, unless the Senate Select Committee on Ethics or the House Committee on Standards of Official Conduct issues a written determination that an exception applies. Directs such Committees to provide guidance on steps Members may take to prevent the acceptance of prohibited gifts from lobbyists. Provides that certain reimbursements to a Member for travel expenses to an event in connection with official duties shall not be considered to be gifts if advance authorization is received and the reimbursements and authorization are disclosed within a specified time period. Declares that events, the activities of which are substantially recreational in nature, shall not be considered to be in connection with official duties. (Sec. 3) Amends the Ethics in Government Act to require the reporting of any reimbursement to a Federal agency, the Senate, or the House of Representatives under the applicable rule or statute rather than under such Act. Authorizes the Senate Committee on Rules and Administration, on behalf of the Senate, to accept a gift if it does not involve any duty, burden, or condition, or is not made dependent upon some future performance by the United States. Provides that the rules on acceptance of food, refreshments, and entertainment provided to a Member in the Member's home State shall be the same as the rules in effect on the day before the effective date of this Act.

This text is taken from the official record. PoliticalRepo does not editorialize.

Timeline

1. 21 July 1995

   Introduced

   Introduced in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 152.

   Source: Calendars

2. 21 July 1995

   Introduced

   Introduced in Senate

   Source: IntroReferral

3. 24 July 1995

   Floor

   Star Print ordered on the bill as placed on the calendar.

   Source: Floor

4. 25 July 1995

   Floor

   Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent. (consideration: CR S10583-10594)

   Source: Floor

5. 27 July 1995

   Floor

   Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S10792-10794, S10796-10818)

   Source: Floor

6. 28 July 1995

   Floor

   Considered by Senate. (consideration: CR S10845-10858)

   Source: Floor

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

• Placed on Calendar Senate · 21 July 1995 · Official file

Documents

4 official files

• Indefinitely postponed in Senate

  summary · EN · 28 July 1995

  Open at official source

• Placed on Calendar Senate (text)

  Placed on Calendar Senate · EN · 21 July 1995

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Placed on Calendar Senate (PDF)

  Placed on Calendar Senate · EN · 21 July 1995

  ViewDownloadOpen at official source

• Introduced in Senate

  summary · EN · 21 July 1995

  Open at official source

Sponsors

• Sen. Levin, Carl [D-MI] · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Cohen, William S. [R-ME-2] · R · Sponsor
• Sen. Glenn, John H., Jr. [D-OH] · D · Sponsor
• Sen. Wellstone, Paul D. [D-MN] · D · Sponsor
• Sen. Lautenberg, Frank R. [D-NJ] · D · Sponsor
• Sen. Feingold, Russell D. [D-WI] · D · Sponsor
• Rep. Baucus, Max [D-MT-1] · D · Sponsor
• Sen. McCain, John [R-AZ] · R · Cosponsor
• Sen. Bingaman, Jeff [D-NM] · D · Cosponsor

Related records

• related to → A resolution to provide for Senate gift reform.
• related to → Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995