Burlington, VT - Peter Welch, candidate for U.S. Congress, issued the following statement in response to the lobbying reform bill passed by the House this week:

"The Bush Congress had the opportunity to show they were serious about cleaning up the ethics mess that has shown the character of their leadership. Instead they chose cosmetic changes over real reform.

"Instead of passing the Honest Leadership Act, which would have banned lobbyists-financed travel, ended secret earmarks spending, and strengthened the penalties for pay-to-play schemes, they chose to enact none of these reforms.

"The Republican track record is clear. On countless occasions the Republican leaders in Congress have put the needs of the special interests ahead of the public interest. They passed a Medicare drug benefit written by and for the pharmaceutical industry that is fiscally reckless and bewilders our seniors. They passed an energy bill that gives billions of tax breaks to an oil industry reaping record profits as Americans struggle with record high gas prices.

"Failing to enact meaningful ethics reform sends the message that the Bush Congress has once again chosen the lobbyists on K Street over citizens on Main Street."