Thursday, August 09, 2007

Possible Veto of Lobbying and Ethics Bill??

According to BNA Money and Politics ($$) the lobbying and ethics bill, the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007, is being further delayed until September because of concerns that President Bush may veto it. Your reaction may now be excuse me, a veto, after all this time? According to the article, a White House spokeswoman said the White House is reviewing the bill and there are some concerns with the provisions on earmarks, the revolving door, and the higher payments for air travel by federal officeholders and candidates.

Other sources said Democratic leaders are delaying sending the enrolled, final bill cleared by Congress to Bush in order to ensure there would be a chance to vote to override a veto, should it occur. If the measure were sent to the White House now and vetoed, it might not be returned to Congress for an override vote because lawmakers are adjourned until after Labor Day.

Reportedly the administration is concerned because Senators and excutive officials including the vice president would face a two year ban on direct lobbying after leaving office. The White House is also concerned with a provision that would require presidents running for re-election to pay charter air rates for campaign travel on Air Force One. All parties should make sure this bill becomes law, despite the debate on whether or not the earmark provisions go far enough. Hopefully the reform measure will become law shortly after Congress returns from recess and any suggestions of a veto are quickly dissipated.