PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · May 25, 1995
Senate Gift Rule Reform Resolution - Amends rule XXXV (Gifts) of the Standing Rules of the Senate to prohibit a Member, officer, or employee of the Senate or such person's spouse from knowingly accepting any gift from any person, organization, or corporation in excess of $100 (currently, any gifts aggregating more than $250) in any calendar year. Deletes from items not included as such a gift: (1) a reception to honor such person; and (2) meals or beverages not consumed in connection with a gift of overnight lodging. Adds as items not included as such a gift: (1) free attendance at a widely attended event connected with official duties; (2) permissible travel, lodging, and meals at an event to raise funds for a bona fide charity if participation is determined to be in the interest of the Senate or the United States (excluding transportation and other expenses for a period exceeding three days exclusive of travel time within the United States or seven days exclusive of travel time outside the United States unless approved by the Select Committee on Ethics); and (3) a sponsor's unsolicited offer of free attendance at an event for an accompanying spouse if others in attendance will generally be accompanied by spouses or if such attendance is appropriate to assist in the representation of the Senate. Requires the Select Committee on Ethics to publish notice in the Congressional Record within 30 days after the attendance by a Member, officer, or employee at such an event. Subjects the attendance by an employee at such event to approval of the employee's supervisor.
People & committees
Sen. McConnell, Mitch [R-KY] · R–KY
Legislative record
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Referred to the Committee on Rules.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.Res.126 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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