House passes bill to shine more light on pet projects, fund-raising

CAPITOL HILL (AP) The House has voted overwhelmingly to pass an ethics bill aimed at shedding more light on spending and fund-raising by lawmakers.

The bill, drafted by Democratic leaders, passed by a vote of 411 to eight. Senate leaders hope to give final passage to the bill later this week.

It requires legislators to disclose those lobbyists who gather 15-thousand dollars or more from different people within a six-month period for them.

Lobbyists will also be barred from giving lawmakers gifts such as meals and tickets.

And members of Congress would have to disclose more details of bids to fund their pet projects. Senators will have to publicize plans for "earmarks" 48 hours before the Senate votes on the proposals and declare their families will not directly benefit financially. The House made similar rules changes in January.

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