GOP plans to fake it on ethics reform

Having returned from their two week recess and having heard little on the ethics scandal since their constituents were more concerned at the moment with gas prices and immigration, (gee what a surprise), the GOP decided all those promises on ethics reform they made in the wake of Jack Abramoff's indictment could just be forgotten. They're going to suspend lavish lobbyist funded trips until the holiday season. That will expire after the election, in December, without debate. Guess they figure they're going to trick their way back into office and once they get there, they have couple of years of unmitigated graft and corruption before they have to answer at the ballot box again.

They also won't restrict other lavish gifts, won't require transparency of lobbyist operations and do almost nothing to stop the spin of the revolving door between Capitol Hill and K Street. Nor is there any provision for enforcement. The measure does call for disclosure on spending earmarks but notably excludes disclosing the earmarks added to tax and authorization bills. Anybody want to venture a guess where all the earmarks will be hidden if the measure passes?

Think Progress has the full breakdown on this disgraceful insult to the intelligence of the voters.