WASHINGTON (May 3, 2006) Today, Congressman Ben Chandler voted against H.R. 4975, a lobbying reform bill that has been heavily criticized for its failure to enact meaningful reform in Congress. 

The Republican bill proposes only modest changes to the current rules governing lobbying activities and fails to offer a comprehensive, permanent solution to the current scandals plaguing Washington .  H.R. 4975 only temporarily suspends privately funded travel for Members of Congress and continues to allow lobbyists to buy meals and give gifts. 

“In my opinion, this lobbying reform bill does not go nearly far enough,” said Chandler .  “If we are going to pass a bill it should be responsible and effective reform, this bill is neither.”