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...