Lobbyist Attends Private GOP Meeting
Wednesday February 15, 2006 5:48pm
Washington (AP) - Republicans may change the rules allowing former senators to attend weekly GOP luncheon meetings after retired Sen. Lauch Faircloth attended a session while lobbying a bill pending on the floor. Faircloth, R-N.C., is a registered lobbyist for companies such as Honeywell and the Dow Chemical Co. which are advocating passage of a bill to limit the liability of companies facing asbestos-related claims.
He attended Tuesday's luncheon, just hours before a crucial vote on the bill, which would end decades of lawsuits against manufacturers and their insurers, potentially saving them great sums of money.
"It's business as usual in Washington," said Roberta Baskin, executive director of the Center for Public Integrity. "The feeding frenzy for reform right now is mostly a war of words."
The episode came as lawmakers on both sides of Capitol Hill - the House and Senate - are examining ways to reform lobbying rules in the wake of the Jack Abramoff scandal. Just two weeks ago, the House voted to take away access to the floor and the House gym from former members who are now registered lobbyists.
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