Editorial: How to Reform Lobbying?:
The Washington Post editorial page lists reforms that they believe would effectively reform lobbying. On gifts and meals the Post “can’t get too worked up about a lobbyist picking up lunch tabs, as long as that is disclosed. But there’s no excuse for taking freebies such as sports tickets.” They also label resistance to a ban on corporate travel “outrageous.” Disclosure and tightened restrictions on privately funded travel would be preferred over an outright ban, the Post argued, and disclosure is the key. “They should be required to detail, at least quarterly, information on meals or other gifts; political contributions; fundraisers hosted; contributions to charities controlled or financed by members, or that they solicit; and previous government employment. More important, lobbyists should report what congressional or executive branch offices they contacted, and with whom they spoke.”