Fresh GOP Ethics Woes

Since winning control of Congress months ago, Democrats have been under immense pressure to pass legislation tightening the ethics rules that govern Washington. Corruption was the No. 1 issue on voters' minds, according to exit polls, but even as Democrats worked to pass a bill, public esteem for Congress sank to the lowest level ever--just 14% of people approve of the body.

So Dems celebrated loudly at the July 31 House passage--and anticipated Senate passage--of a measure that forces lawmakers at least to begin cleaning up shop. It makes them disclose earmarks, curbs corporate-paid gifts and travel, ends the lavish parties lobbyists...

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