Incoming-Speaker Nancy Pelosi has appointed Rep. Martin Meehan (D-MA) as the key point person on ethics reform in the House of Representatives. This is noteworthy in that Meehan is considered to be close to Pelosi and is seen as part of her "inner-circle." On ethics reform, Meehan said he will work with his colleagues to put forth the "most significant ethics and lobbying reform that Congress has ever voted on." House Democratic leaders have indicated they have heard the voters and will be attentive to issues of corruption, which they believe were a major factor in the outcome of the November 7 elections. Instead of putting forth a single comprehensive ethics reform bill, Democrats plan to put together an ethics "package" that would be brought to the House floor piece-by-piece, allowing Members to openly debate and vote on each issue. This approach will ensure that each component of the package -- including banning gifts, meals and travel from lobbyists as well as imposing new spending controls on the budget deficit -- is debated and voted on its own merit. It will also ensure that the bills receive maximum media and public attention. After a series of votes, it is expected the bills will be reassembled into one large package and adopted by the House.
These changes could have an impact on NEPPA's bi-annual Congressional staff tour, where the Association brings Members and staff to the region to get a "hands-on" look at public power systems in the region and discusses energy and environmental issues affecting NEPPA systems.