On the day last week that lobbyist Jack Abramoff was sentenced to prison for fraud, the Senate passed a new ethics bill. The House will take up the issue next. Here's a look at reforms Congress seems willing to accept:
What does the Senate bill do? It bars lobbyists from buying gifts and meals for legislators, but it leaves a big loophole: firms and organizations represented by those lobbyists may still dole out freebies. Privately funded trips would still be allowed if lawmakers get prior approval from the ethics committee. The bill would bar retiring legislators and senior aides from lobbying...