A resolution to amend the Standing Rules of the Senate.
Referred to the Committee on Rules.
Congressional Research Service
Official summary
Version 00 · Introduced in Senate · Oct 6, 1994
Revises rule XXXV of the Standing Rules of the Senate to prohibit any Member, officer, or employee of the Senate (Member) from accepting a gift, knowing that such gift is provided by a lobbyist, a registered lobbyist under the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act, a lobbying firm, or an agent of a foreign principal. Sets forth provisions regarding what: (1) constitutes a prohibited gift (including anything provided by a lobbyist which is paid for, charged to, or reimbursed by a client or firm of such lobbyist, certain charitable contributions or other payments by a lobbyist relating to a retreat sponsored by or affiliated with an official congressional organization); and (2) does not constitute a gift (including anything for which the recipient pays the market value, anything the recipient does not use and promptly returns to the donor, food or refreshments of nominal value offered other than as part of a meal, and pension and other benefits resulting from continued participation in an employee welfare and benefits plan maintained by a former employer). Sets forth provisions regarding gifts given for a nonbusiness purpose, motivated by family relationship or close personal friendship (generally permitted). Prohibits any Member from knowingly accepting a gift from any other person except as provided in this rule. Lists circumstances where such restrictions shall not apply. Considers a gift to the spouse or dependent of a Member to be a gift to such Member if given with the knowledge and acquiescence of, and with reason to believe the gift was given because of official position as, a Member. Permits Members to accept: (1) offers of free attendance at a widely attended convention, symposium, reception, or similar event, subject to specified requirements; and (2) a sponsor's unsolicited offer of free attendance at a charity event, except for reimbursement for transportation and lodging in connection with the event. Directs the Select Committee on Ethics to provide guidance setting forth reasonable steps that may be taken by Members, with a minimum of paperwork and time, to prevent the acceptance of prohibited gifts from lobbyists.
No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.
Source last updated: Jan 14, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
Explore the bill from different angles
Choose a perspective, copy a prompt, and paste it into your preferred AI. Each prompt includes the bill version and available official source links, and asks for counterarguments as well as supporting evidence.
Neutral evidence review
Objective
Analyze S.Res.274 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.
View full prompt & sources
Fairness and public impact
Progressive lens
Examine S.Res.274 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
View full prompt & sources
Institutions and government scope
Conservative lens
Examine S.Res.274 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
View full prompt & sources
Individual rights and government power
Liberty lens
Examine S.Res.274 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.