Lawmakers Still Get Free Ride New Gift Law Doesn't Stop Special Interests from Paying for Trips

Ap Genaro C. Armas of the Post-Dispatch Washington Bureau contributed information ., St Louis Post-Dispatch (MO)

Dozens in Congress have found respite from the capital's cold, snowy winter in Las Vegas, Honolulu, Israel and the Bahamas - compliments of special interests.

Despite a new law limiting gifts to lawmakers, fact-finding travel is still allowed, although it must be reported more quickly. In most cases, the travel is paid for by organizations seeking a sympathetic hearing on Capitol Hill.

Since Jan. 1, about 150 such trips have been reported by members and staff of the House and Senate. The Capitol Hill newspaper Roll Call totaled the combined value of all the trips at more than $118,000.

For freshman Rep. Jon Christensen, R-Neb., the destinations were …

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Publication information: Article title: Lawmakers Still Get Free Ride New Gift Law Doesn't Stop Special Interests from Paying for Trips. Contributors: Ap Genaro C. Armas of the Post-Dispatch Washington Bureau contributed information . - Author. Newspaper title: St Louis Post-Dispatch (MO). Publication date: February 16, 1996. Page number: 6A. © 2008 St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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