It Looks Like Congress Will Actually Work this January! - XDTalk Forums - Your HS2000/SA-XD Information Source!

Mark S. · 01-01-2007, 05:02 PM

It looks like the day of the lobbyist funded January junket is over for Congress....

By KIMBERLY HEFLING, Associated Press WriterSun Dec 31, 6:25 PM ET

The January junket to warmer climates — a postholiday tradition of sorts for some members of Congress — could be headed to the wayside.
An accelerated work schedule set up by the new Democratic leadership has put a halt on many January excursions funded by lobbyists. Given that Democrats are taking over the House and Senate in part because of GOP ethics scandals, some lawmakers are fearful of the voters' wrath anyway if they go on the trips.

"I think members are looking more closely at privately funded travel, and I think ... many of them are being careful and avoiding it," said Rep. Charles Dent, R-Pa.

The last time members had to work much of January was 1995, when a newly Republican-led House took control, recalled Todd Hauptli, senior executive vice president of the American Association of Airport Executives.
For the past 21 years, except for 1995, his organization paid for members to fly to Hawaii to discuss airline issues at a conference. This January, members are declining the offer and will participate by videotape.
"They can't really be scooting around the country when Congress is in session," Hauptli said.

Members also will be missing out this January on attending the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where TiVo digital video recorders and Nintendos first were introduced. The Consumer Electronics Association spent thousands last year sending a few members and their staffs to the show, where they stayed in the Bellagio Hotel and Casino.

An Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers spokesman said the group does not expect any lawmakers to use hotel rooms reserved for them in January at a hotel near the annual Detroit auto show, where new cars and technologies are showcased. Instead, the group is encouraging members to attend the Washington auto show later in the month, said Charles Territo, an association spokesman.

"We'll continue to look at other ways to educate members of Congress," Territo said.

Attention surrounding the excesses of disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who is now in federal prison, brought the practice of lobbyist-funded travel to light. Abramoff defrauded American Indian tribe clients of millions of dollars while arranging lavish trips and meals for public officials.

Former Rep. Bob Ney (news, bio, voting record) of Ohio, who resigned this year after pleading guilty to corruption, was one lawmaker who participated in an Abramoff-sponsored trip that included transport on a $92,000 chartered jet to Scotland for a golf outing.

After the scandal broke, privately funded travel expenditures by members dropped from $3.6 million in 2005 to about $1.4 million in 2006, according to PoliticalMoneyLine, which tracks campaign spending.

Both the House and Senate passed changes in lobbying laws and rules in 2006 under Republican leadership, but neither chamber voted to ban privately funded travel altogether. The two chambers were never able to bridge their differences and produce final legislation.

Democrats have promised to tackle the issue of ethics again in 2007.
While there may be perks such as lavish meals and concerts involved in lobbyist-funded trips, some people say they can be a legitimate way for members to get exposure outside Washington.

They also say members get time away from Washington to learn about complicated issues without members getting interrupted by vote calls. Not all privately funded travel is connected to lobbyists, either. Some educational institutions fund travel.

Michael Petricone, senior vice president of government affairs of the Consumer Electronics Association, said those who attend the electronics show hear from corporate executives and can learn about timely technologies such as broadband Internet and digital television.

"If you want to promote good policy making, the last thing you want to do is lock policy makers up in the ivory tower of Washington," Petricone said.
Rep. Todd Platts (news, bio, voting record), R-Pa., said there are plenty of trips that members can take without lobbyists covering the bill. Platts said he invites people to his district office if he wants to meet with them for a long time. He also has gone abroad — four times to Iraq, and two times to Afghanistan — to visit troops.

"If it's something that has any business, in relationship to your job, your job is going to pay for the travel," Platts said.

Some new members say they plan to say no to lobbyist-funded travel from the get-go.

"No matter what the rules say, it's a perception problem," said Sen.-elect Bob Casey, D-Pa.

NewXD40fun · 01-01-2007, 06:31 PM

Here is one disappointed Ohio Democrat Senator.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

JONES, STEPHANIE TUBBS, Democratic Party
Ohio

Total number of trips - 63
Total cost of trips - $83,143.84

Average cost per trip - $1,319.74
Total number of days spent traveling - 180 days
Rank of representative - 56 (Out of 638 )

http://americanradioworks.publicradi...hp?member=7149

Congresswoman Tubbs has been a travel junkie her whole career. And she keeps getting re-elected every time by her vast Cleveland, Ohio constituency....

Maybe it time for a CHANGE in Congress......

Tom

slugger6 · 01-02-2007, 05:18 AM

Thanks for sharing the stats. Very revealing!

Son of Norway · 01-02-2007, 06:23 AM

Wow, Tom, I can see why this would get you ticked. Check this guy out (I'm sure you are aware already, he represents you):

BOEHNER, JOHN A, Republican Party
Ohio

Total number of trips - 39
Total cost of trips - $157,603.85

Average cost per trip - $4,041.12
Total number of days spent traveling - 169 days
Rank of representative - 7 (Out of 63

bd · 01-02-2007, 06:32 AM

it's a tough job....

Quote:

Of the 383 pieces of legislation that were signed into law during the two-year 109th Congress, more than one-quarter dealt with naming or renaming federal buildings and structures -- primarily post offices -- after various Americans.

Don't you think they need a little travel time to unwind and collect money?

bd

FrankRizzoXD40 · 01-02-2007, 07:36 AM

I think that personal travel, paid for by the government, should be banned. An exception would be in case a person requires a high level of protection--like the President going home to his ranch. When elected officials go to play golf, take vacations, etc, the only thing that should be paid for is the protection. NOT the greens fees, NOT the lavish food, NOT the accomodations, etc, etc.

Now, if the purpose of the trip is work related (and no this doesn't mean to catch up with old former collegues over a round of golf and a bottle of dom perrignon) then all expenses should be paid.

I think everyone here agrees that personal travel paid for by the taxpayers is being abused by our government officials.

Frank

Mark S. · 01-02-2007, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankRizzoXD40

I think that personal travel, paid for by the government, should be banned. An exception would be in case a person requires a high level of protection--like the President going home to his ranch. When elected officials go to play golf, take vacations, etc, the only thing that should be paid for is the protection. NOT the greens fees, NOT the lavish food, NOT the accomodations, etc, etc.

Now, if the purpose of the trip is work related (and no this doesn't mean to catch up with old former collegues over a round of golf and a bottle of dom perrignon) then all expenses should be paid.

I think everyone here agrees that personal travel paid for by the taxpayers is being abused by our government officials.

Frank

The problem is not so much personal travel paid for by the taxpayer as it is personal travel paid for by the lobbyists.

FrankRizzoXD40 · 01-02-2007, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark S.

The problem is not so much personal travel paid for by the taxpayer as it is personal travel paid for by the lobbyists.

That's true as well. I do recall some lawmakers abusing taxpayer money as well though.

Hopefully congress will crack down on the lobbyists too. I mean, a gift is one thing, but some of these outrageous vacations come across like bribes to me.

Frank

jdavionic · 01-02-2007, 09:30 AM

Lobbyists reform is so badly needed. It's a sleazy practice that has been going on for a long time. I've read what you posted, Mark, and I hope that they follow through on it. But I've grown way too cynical of the politicians from both parties...i.e., sounds good, but I'll believe it when I see it.

FrankRizzoXD40 · 01-02-2007, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdavionic

Lobbyists reform is so badly needed. It's a sleazy practice that has been going on for a long time. I've read what you posted, Mark, and I hope that they follow through on it. But I've grown way too cynical of the politicians from both parties...i.e., sounds good, but I'll believe it when I see it.

+1

Frank

01-01-2007, 05:02 PM	#1
Mark S. XDTalk 500 Member Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Fullerton, CA Posts: 733	It Looks Like Congress Will Actually Work this January! It looks like the day of the lobbyist funded January junket is over for Congress.... By KIMBERLY HEFLING, Associated Press WriterSun Dec 31, 6:25 PM ET The January junket to warmer climates — a postholiday tradition of sorts for some members of Congress — could be headed to the wayside. An accelerated work schedule set up by the new Democratic leadership has put a halt on many January excursions funded by lobbyists. Given that Democrats are taking over the House and Senate in part because of GOP ethics scandals, some lawmakers are fearful of the voters' wrath anyway if they go on the trips. "I think members are looking more closely at privately funded travel, and I think ... many of them are being careful and avoiding it," said Rep. Charles Dent, R-Pa. The last time members had to work much of January was 1995, when a newly Republican-led House took control, recalled Todd Hauptli, senior executive vice president of the American Association of Airport Executives. For the past 21 years, except for 1995, his organization paid for members to fly to Hawaii to discuss airline issues at a conference. This January, members are declining the offer and will participate by videotape. "They can't really be scooting around the country when Congress is in session," Hauptli said. Members also will be missing out this January on attending the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where TiVo digital video recorders and Nintendos first were introduced. The Consumer Electronics Association spent thousands last year sending a few members and their staffs to the show, where they stayed in the Bellagio Hotel and Casino. An Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers spokesman said the group does not expect any lawmakers to use hotel rooms reserved for them in January at a hotel near the annual Detroit auto show, where new cars and technologies are showcased. Instead, the group is encouraging members to attend the Washington auto show later in the month, said Charles Territo, an association spokesman. "We'll continue to look at other ways to educate members of Congress," Territo said. Attention surrounding the excesses of disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who is now in federal prison, brought the practice of lobbyist-funded travel to light. Abramoff defrauded American Indian tribe clients of millions of dollars while arranging lavish trips and meals for public officials. Former Rep. Bob Ney (news, bio, voting record) of Ohio, who resigned this year after pleading guilty to corruption, was one lawmaker who participated in an Abramoff-sponsored trip that included transport on a $92,000 chartered jet to Scotland for a golf outing. After the scandal broke, privately funded travel expenditures by members dropped from $3.6 million in 2005 to about $1.4 million in 2006, according to PoliticalMoneyLine, which tracks campaign spending. Both the House and Senate passed changes in lobbying laws and rules in 2006 under Republican leadership, but neither chamber voted to ban privately funded travel altogether. The two chambers were never able to bridge their differences and produce final legislation. Democrats have promised to tackle the issue of ethics again in 2007. While there may be perks such as lavish meals and concerts involved in lobbyist-funded trips, some people say they can be a legitimate way for members to get exposure outside Washington. They also say members get time away from Washington to learn about complicated issues without members getting interrupted by vote calls. Not all privately funded travel is connected to lobbyists, either. Some educational institutions fund travel. Michael Petricone, senior vice president of government affairs of the Consumer Electronics Association, said those who attend the electronics show hear from corporate executives and can learn about timely technologies such as broadband Internet and digital television. "If you want to promote good policy making, the last thing you want to do is lock policy makers up in the ivory tower of Washington," Petricone said. Rep. Todd Platts (news, bio, voting record), R-Pa., said there are plenty of trips that members can take without lobbyists covering the bill. Platts said he invites people to his district office if he wants to meet with them for a long time. He also has gone abroad — four times to Iraq, and two times to Afghanistan — to visit troops. "If it's something that has any business, in relationship to your job, your job is going to pay for the travel," Platts said. Some new members say they plan to say no to lobbyist-funded travel from the get-go. "No matter what the rules say, it's a perception problem," said Sen.-elect Bob Casey, D-Pa.

01-01-2007, 06:31 PM	#2
NewXD40fun XDTalk 2K Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: North Olmsted, Ohio Posts: 2,729	Here is one disappointed Ohio Democrat Senator. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- JONES, STEPHANIE TUBBS, Democratic Party Ohio Total number of trips - 63 Total cost of trips - $83,143.84 Average cost per trip - $1,319.74 Total number of days spent traveling - 180 days Rank of representative - 56 (Out of 638 ) http://americanradioworks.publicradi...hp?member=7149 Congresswoman Tubbs has been a travel junkie her whole career. And she keeps getting re-elected every time by her vast Cleveland, Ohio constituency.... Maybe it time for a CHANGE in Congress...... Tom __________________ Springfield XD-40 Service w/DGR kit, EFK 9mm Taurus PT-140 Mill Pro _ Specialized Roubaix Expert "YOU'VE GOT TO STAND FOR SOMETHING OR YOU'LL FALL FOR ANYTHING" ---Aaron Tippin

01-02-2007, 07:36 AM	#6
FrankRizzoXD40 XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Maine Posts: 6,639	I think that personal travel, paid for by the government, should be banned. An exception would be in case a person requires a high level of protection--like the President going home to his ranch. When elected officials go to play golf, take vacations, etc, the only thing that should be paid for is the protection. NOT the greens fees, NOT the lavish food, NOT the accomodations, etc, etc. Now, if the purpose of the trip is work related (and no this doesn't mean to catch up with old former collegues over a round of golf and a bottle of dom perrignon) then all expenses should be paid. I think everyone here agrees that personal travel paid for by the taxpayers is being abused by our government officials. Frank __________________ XD-40 Service, bi-tone Crossbreed Supertuck CCW holder _________________ Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid. -Ronald Reagan

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01-02-2007, 05:18 AM	#3
slugger6 XDTalk 20K Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Ohio Posts: 20,102	Thanks for sharing the stats. Very revealing!

01-02-2007, 09:30 AM	#9
jdavionic XDTalk 5K Member Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: GA Posts: 5,105	Lobbyists reform is so badly needed. It's a sleazy practice that has been going on for a long time. I've read what you posted, Mark, and I hope that they follow through on it. But I've grown way too cynical of the politicians from both parties...i.e., sounds good, but I'll believe it when I see it.