House OKs Lobbying Changes

The U.S. House of Representatives Thursday approved changes in lobbying rules intended to curb the influence of special interests.

The measure would require lobbyists to disclose campaign contributions they raise through a process called bundling — collecting donations from clients, friends and relatives and others, turning the funds over to political campaigns.

Reining in lobbyist influence has been a priority of government watchdogs, but some said the measured approved Thursday did not go far enough, The Los Angeles Times reported.

The legislation was stripped of provisions limiting lawmakers’ ability to switch to lobbying jobs after they leave Congress.

This is a solid first step toward changing business as usual in Washington, but more reform is needed, said Bob Edgar, president of Common Cause.

The Senate approved lobbying reform in January.