League Issues Report on Obama Administration Ethics, Lobbying, Transparency Reforms

LEAGUE, GROUPS ISSUE REPORT ON OBAMA ADMINISTRATION’S ETHICS, LOBBYING & TRANSPARENCY REFORMS
Call on Administration to Take on Public Financing, FEC Reforms

Washington, DC – The League of Women Voters and other groups today issued a report grading the Obama Administration’s first year of achievements in ethics, lobbying and government transparency.

“The Obama Administration took extraordinary steps forward in 2009 – adopting the strongest and most comprehensive lobbying, ethics and transparency rules and policies ever established to govern its own activities” said Mary G. Wilson, national president of the League. 

“At the same time, these achievements are only the essential first steps,” Wilsonstated.    “We call on the Obama Administration to continue to lead in changing the way business is done in our nation’s capital,” added Wilson.  “2010 is the time to tackle the critical reforms that will clean up the corrupting effects of campaign money throughout our government,” she said. 

“The administration’s government reform agenda this year must focus on the reform and enforcement of the nation’s campaign finance laws.  The League believes that this means:   Repairing the presidential public financing system; Establishing a new public financing system for congressional races; and Fundamental reform of the Federal Election Commission (FEC),” stated Wilson.

“The FEC is failing as an enforcement agency just as the nation is preparing for the 2010 elections.  As a start, we urge the President to use his appointment power to put the agency on a better path,” she said.   

The report card issued by the League, Common Cause, Democracy21 and U.S. PIRG details seven areas in which the administration has implemented government reforms and provides a grade for each area.

• Revolving Door Lobbying Ban, A
• Open Government, A
• Reverse Revolving Door Restrictions, A
• Lobbyist Gift Ban, B
• Preventing Lobbyists from Serving on Advisory Boards, B 
• Restrictions on Seeking Stimulus Funds, B
• Restrictions on Seeking Financial Bailout, No Grade

To read the full report and a more detailed explanation of each grade, click here.

###

Become a fan of the League on Facebook.

The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy.