Monday, July 30, 2007

House Ready to Vote on Ethics and Lobby Reform by Tuesday?

CQ ($$) reports that the lobby bill is almost complete and may be ready for a vote in the House Tuesday. And again the discussion focuses on how a new agreed upon bill may alter the bundling provision, shifting the reporting from lobbyists to lawmakers. This change would mean campaign committees would have to report on bundled campaign donations they receive. And sure enough Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) may object to the final changes if the Senate-passed earmark language is not included. Since the bill includes changes to Senate rules, the Senate would need 67 votes to overcome an objection and approve the package. To help overcome any objection, lawmakers will need to work hard to ensure support. RollCall ($$) reports on such rallying with the role Senator Feingold (D-WI) may be play in the bill's passage.

With conservative Republicans bracing for significant changes to the bill passed by the Senate in February, McCain could end up fighting his former ally in an effort to block a significantly weakened bill. According to sources close to the issue, Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) has called on Feingold to help push the bill over the goal line. Reid hopes Feingold's progressive street credentials and reputation as a reform-minded lawmaker will help keep the left flank from bolting, particularly if Reid and Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) make controversial changes to the bill.