Senate Bill Would Require Disclosure
of Gifts to Presidential Libraries
In the wake of the controversy over President Clinton’s pardons, Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) has introduced a bill to require public disclosure of all donations to presidential libraries of more than $5,000. The measure also calls for registration of people lobbying for pardons.
“I have said from the beginning of our investigation into the pardons that the focus should not be on the issue of blame, but rather in looking to the future to see how we can improve the process,” Specter said. “This legislation is a positive step forward and will shed light on those who seek to influence the office of the president.”
Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) has signed on as a cosponsor of the measure, calling the legislation a “common-sense disclosure bill.” The Knight Ridder news service reported March 30 that the bill’s other cosponsors include leaders from both parties, such as Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.), ranking minority member of the Judiciary Committee, and Sen. Charles Grassley (R-Iowa), chairman of the Finance Committee.
Posted April 2, 2001.
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