Lobbyists seeing drop in access

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24 (UPI) -- Lobby firms report they are seeing a change in their dealings with members of the U.S. Congress and their aides, with rules regarding contacts tightening.

Trips have been canceled and restaurants around Capitol Hill report a drop in business as congressional offices turn down offers from the 27,000 lobbyists in Washington, The Los Angeles Times reported Tuesday.

People in the Capitol are skittish since lobbyist Jack Abramoff became news for his trips for members of Congress and lobbying excesses. Abramoff has pleaded guilty to a series of charges, including bilking clients, and reportedly is cooperating with federal authorities in their investigation of questionable lobbying.

In response, congressional offices are banning free trips and meals and ethical lobbyists are wondering how they can get their messages across.

The Republicans and Democrats last week both issued plans to reform lobbying.

R. Bruce Josten, of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, told the Times: "We now have a bidding war between the two parties to see who is going to draft the toughest lobby reform measure. They are in the rush to do something and it looks like ... it's going to be overkill."