WASHINGTON, Jan. 8 (UPI) -- House Speaker Dennis Hastert says the House will move to tighten the rules governing lobbyists' access to lawmakers.
The move is seen as an effort to distance the Republican Party from a growing corruption scandal, The Washington Post reported.
House Rules Committee Chairman David Dreier, R-Calif., has been asked to head the GOP's effort to draft new lobbying rules. House Democrats had previously unveiled proposals to mandate more disclosure of lobbying contacts, ban most lobbyist-sponsored trips and lengthen the time former House members and staff must wait before taking up lobbying.
Lobbyist Jack Abramoff pleaded guilty last week to fraud, tax evasion and conspiracy to bribe public officials in a deal that requires him to provide evidence about members of Congress.
"Over the past several months, I have spoken with many members about the need for such reforms," Hastert said in a statement Sunday. "Now is the time for action."
