Tougher ethics rules for US lawmakers mean they can still speak at US Chamber of Commerce breakfasts or other affairs hosted by special interest groups; they just have to watch what they eat.
The new rules will change life for many in Washington, banning lobbyists from providing lawmakers meals as well as trips and gifts - a turn of events that has many hopeful, others upset.
Bruce Josten, executive vice president of the Chamber, the nation's biggest business group, brushed off the new rules, explaining, "I'm going to say, 'Sorry Mr. Congressman, you decided we can't give you any Chamber eggs."
"We have 100 to 150 people at these breakfasts, and everyone will eat but the member of Congress," Josten said. "It's silly. I'm going to bribe someone with eggs and bacon?" The new legislation, approved this month and expected to be signed by President George W. Bush, is generating plenty of questions amid hope it will help clean up the way lawmakers do business.
The US Congress approved the rules after a string of scandals, most of them involving Republicans, stirred voter outrage and helped the Democrats win control of both chambers in elections last November.
Some of the new rules take effect immediately and others go into force January 1. They generally prohibit lawmakers and their aides from accepting any meals, gifts and trips from lobbyists.
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