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2003 Senate Ethics Manual

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2003 Senate Ethics Manual S. PUB. 108—1 SENATE ETHICS MANUAL Select Committee on Ethics United States Senate E PL UR UM IB N U U S 108th Congress 1st Session 2003 Edition (Supersedes All Prior Editions) The Senate Ethics Manual is currently being updated. On the Committee's website, VerDate 11-SEP-98 16:51 Jan 17, 2003 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 5221 Sfmt 5221 SMANUAL.COV ETHICS1 PsN: ETHICS1 please click on the "Guidance" link under the "News" tab for recent updates. SENATE ETHICS MANUAL Select Committee on Ethics United States Senate E PL UR UM IB N U U S 108th Congress 1st Session 2003 Edition (Supersedes All Prior Editions) For Sale by the U.S. Government Printing Office Superintendent of Documents, Congressional Sales Office, Washington, DC 20402 The Senate Ethics Manual is currently being updated. On the Committee's website, VerDate 11-SEP-98 16:51 Jan 17, 2003 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 5221 Sfmt 5221 SMANUAL.PRE ETHICS1 PsN: ETHICS1 please click on the "Guidance" link under the "News" tab for recent updates. SELECT COMMITTEE ON ETHICS ––––––––––––––––––– 108th Congress George V. Voinovich, Ohio, Chairman Harry Reid, Nevada, Vice Chairman Pat Roberts, Kansas Daniel Akaka, Hawaii Craig Thomas, Wyoming Blanche Lincoln, Arkansas ––––––––––––––––––– Victor M. Baird, Staff Director and Chief Counsel Kenyen Brown, Counsel Eric Witiw, Counsel Annette Gillis, Chief Clerk Danny Remington, Systems Administrator John Lewter, Professional Staff Member (202) 224-2981 Website - http://ethics.senate.gov This Edition of the Manual is dedicated to the memory of Elizabeth Ryan, Legal Counsel to the Committee. (1992-2002) (ii) The Senate Ethics Manual is currently being updated. On the Committee's website, VerDate 11-SEP-98 16:51 Jan 17, 2003 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 5221 Sfmt 5221 SMANUAL.PRE ETHICS1 PsN: ETHICS1 please click on the "Guidance" link under the "News" tab for recent updates. TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1: History, Jurisdiction, Procedures, and Role of the Committee, and Sources of Senate Standards of Conduct Page Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 3 Overview .............................................................................................................................. 3 Preludes to Creation of the Select Committee on Standards and Conduct .................... 5 The Investigation of Bobby Baker and the Establishment of the Select Committee on Standards and Conduct .............................................................................................. 9 Jurisdiction of the Committee ............................................................................................ 12 Overview of Committee Process and Procedures Regarding the Conduct of Inquiries and Investigations ........................................................................................................... 14 Advisory Role of the Committee ......................................................................................... 17 Sources of Applicable Standards of Conduct ..................................................................... 17 Chapter 2: GIFTS Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 21 The Gifts Rule ..................................................................................................................... 22 What is a Gift? ..................................................................................................................... 25 Who is Restricted? ............................................................................................................... 25 What Gifts are Acceptable? ................................................................................................ 25 Reporting of Gifts ......................................................................................................... 27 Gifts Paid for or Returned ........................................................................................... 27 Perishable Goods .......................................................................................................... 27 Political Contributions or Attendance at a Fundraiser ............................................. 27 Gifts from Relatives ..................................................................................................... 28 Gifts Based on Personal Friendship ........................................................................... 28 Contributions or Payments to a Legal Expense Trust Fund .................................... 30 Gifts from Other Members, Officers, or Employees .................................................. 31 Food, Refreshments, Lodging, and Other Benefits Related to Outside Activity ..... 31 Pension and Other Benefits ........................................................................................ 33 Information Materials .................................................................................................. 33 Awards or Prizes .......................................................................................................... 33 Honorary Degrees and Other Awards ........................................................................ 34 Donations of Home State Products ............................................................................. 34 Training ........................................................................................................................35 Bequests, Inheritances, and Other Transfers at Death ............................................ 36 Anything Paid for by the Federal, State, or Local Government ............................... 36 Personal Hospitality ..................................................................................................... 37 Free Attendance at a Widely Attended Event ........................................................... 38 Free Attendance at a Charity Event .......................................................................... 39 Sporting Events ............................................................................................................ 39 (iii) The Senate Ethics Manual is currently being updated. On the Committee's website, VerDate 11-SEP-98 16:51 Jan 17, 2003 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 5223 Sfmt 5223 SMANUAL.PRE ETHICS1 PsN: ETHICS1 please click on the "Guidance" link under the "News" tab for recent updates. iv U. S. SENATE ETHICS MANUAL Page Opportunities and Benefits Available to a Wide Group ........................................... 39 Plaques, Trophies, or Other Commemorative Items ................................................. 40 Items for Which a Waiver is Granted by the Ethics Committee ............................. 41 Food or Refreshments Other than as Part of a Meal ................................................ 42 Items of Little Intrinsic Value .................................................................................... 42 General Guidelines ....................................................................................................... 42 Who is a ‘‘Lobbyist’’ for Purposes of the Gifts Rule ................................................... 43 National Political Conventions .................................................................................... 43 Travel ................................................................................................................................... 44 Necessary Expenses ..................................................................................................... 46 Time Limits .................................................................................................................. 47 Who May Pay ............................................................................................................... 48 Who May Accompany ................................................................................................... 49 Gifts and Travel from Foreign Governments and Organizations ............................ 49 ‘‘Lame Duck’’ Travel ..................................................................................................... 52 Frequent Flyer Miles ................................................................................................... 52 Travel Summary ........................................................................................................... 53 Other Prohibited Gifts from Lobbyists, Lobbying Firms, and Foreign Agents .............. 54 Determining the Source of a Gift ....................................................................................... 55 Summary of Gifts Provisions Related to Senate Spouses ................................................ 56 Solicitation of Gifts .............................................................................................................. 57 Bribery and Illegal Gratuity ............................................................................................... 58 Valuation of Certain Gifts .................................................................................................. 59 Tickets to Fundraisers ................................................................................................. 59 Season Passes ............................................................................................................... 59 Tickets in a Performance Arena ................................................................................
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