WASHINGTON, Jan. 19 (UPI) -- The U.S. Senate has passed a package of ethics changes that would ban many of the goodies legislators get from lobbyists.
The measure was adopted Thursday by a vote of 96-2, The New York Times reported. Republicans Orrin Hatch of Utah and Tom Coburn of Oklahoma cast the only negative votes.
Democratic leaders had to overcome resistance from their own ranks as well as from Republicans. Republicans tried to tie the ethics legislation to a presidential line-item veto.
"This legislation has been extremely difficult to deal with," said Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada. "It is difficult because it deals with our lives. In the short-term, the reforms in this bill may take some getting used to, but in the long term, we'll be thankful we took these steps."
Like the bill passed in the House, the Senate bill bans lawmakers from accepting gifts, meals and other freebies from lobbyists. The bill also bars senators from using corporate jets or paying below-market prices for rentals.
There are also measures to shed light on earmarks. Unlike the House, the Senate barred lawmakers from earmarks that would benefit their families.
