Dutch Treat

The Senate has taken the seemingly meaningless step of barring their membership from having their meals paid for by lobbyists. While the prohibition is mainly a gesture, it is a good start. The truth of the matter is that for lobbying reform to be succesful, all interactions between lobbyists and legislators are going to be under increased scrutiny. Since this kind of behavior is the most obvious and out in the open, it just makes sense.

Besides, I would much rather see Senators take a superficial step such as this than to radically overahaul the way grassroots lobbying takes place, like it does under a McCain bill.