From CQ daily newsletter: CQ TODAY MIDDAY UPDATE Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2006 UNCERTAIN OUTCOME LOOMS FOR HOUSE RULE CHANGE VOTE
Many House Republicans are balking at the first phase of their leadership's efforts to clean up Congress, leaving unclear whether there are enough votes to change House rules to revoke the floor and gymnasium privileges of former members who are registered lobbyists.
House Rules Chairman David Dreier, R-Calif., said he was working to win over GOP members, many of whom said in a closed-door meeting that they felt blindsided by the proposed change and considered it unnecessary.
The resolution will be considered under suspension of the rules, which requires a two-thirds vote for passage. "From what I heard in the conference, it is very doubtful it will pass," said Joel Hefley, R-Colo.
Dreier proceeded toward a vote on the rule change but postponed a plan to introduce sweeping lobbying reform legislation "in light of the fact that we are getting a lot of input" from the membership.
"I think they are getting a lot of pushback from members," said Adam H. Putnam, R-Fla. "An outright ban on privately funded travel is a bridge too far."
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