Senate toughens lobbyist restrictions (travel news)

...It extends the "cooling-off" period for members who retire to become lobbyists, making them wait two years before they can lobby former colleagues.

Under the measure, lobbyists would be required to file public quarterly reports on the Internet disclosing their activities and expenditures.

The reports will be subject to audit.

Violating the new lobbying rules could result in a maximum fine of $100,000, double what it is now.

"I think disclosure is going to make a big difference," said Sen.

Susan Collins, Maine Republican, noting that she worries the public no longer trusts Congress to make decisions untainted by special interests.

Several senators said the measure was not perfect, and were irritated that most of the 88 suggested amendments to the bill were killed without debate.

Sen.

Russell D.

Feingold sought to define a lobbyist as anyone employed by a...