Unprecedented Disclosure Requirements Strengthen Lobbying Reform Bill

August 1, 2007

Contact: Gabriela Schneider 202-742-1520 ext 236

WASHINGTON, DC - Today, the House of Representatives passed ethics reform legislation that includes several key provisions advocated by the Sunlight Foundation to require greater public disclosure of the activities of lobbyists and members of Congress.

"This bill is a major step forward towards openness, transparency and the embracing of the Internet as a means to making Congress more accountable," said Ellen Miller, executive director of the Sunlight Foundation. "Before, citizens got lip service about ethics reform. Now, we are starting to see the real thing. Sunlight is especially pleased to see provisions that require the online disclosure of earmarks, personal finance and travel information."

Important transparency provisions included in the bill passed today include:

• The Internet disclosure of House members' personal financial information and travel reports.
• A requirement that the Senate create a public, searchable online database of travel reports.
• A semi-annual report of bundled campaign contributions by all candidate committees, leadership PACs, and party committees.
• Online, searchable databases of newly mandated lobbyists reports
• Online disclosure of all earmark requests included in appropriations bills

A full listing of new disclosure requirements and an ongoing analysis of lobbying reform bills is available at the Sunlight Foundation's Web site, www.sunlightfoundation.com.

The "Legislative Accountability and Transparency Act of 2007" (S. 1) passed the House with a vote of 411-8. The Senate is expected to vote on the bill this Thursday.
The Sunlight Foundation supports, develops and deploys new Internet technologies to make information about Congress and the federal government more accessible to the American people. Through its projects and grant-making, Sunlight serves as a catalyst to create greater political transparency and to foster more openness and accountability in government.
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