CQ ($$) reports that with any luck, the House lobbying reform bill will be complete by the end of May. "Democrats hope a leadership-endorsed bill will be introduced by the end of this week, but even the chairmen involved in drafting it say they don't yet have a clear idea of what will be in the measure or when it will pass." The article describes the areas of contention that have slowed down drafting the measure, including grassroots lobbying disclosure.

According to a McClatchy Newspapers story; "Last week's ruling banning partial-birth abortions, revealed it. Coming up next, campaign reform will further clarify how President Bush's conservative appointments and the departure of former Associate Justice Sandra Day O'Connor have reshaped the court." Oral arguments in the Wisconsin Right to Life (WRTL) case will be heard this week, and expectantly, many are attempting predictions in light of the new court in Justice O'Conner's absence. And somehow last week's partial birth abortion ban foretells this changing court that may benefit WRTL.

The Senate Campaign Disclosure Parity Act, S.223, was all set for quick passage with approval out of committee and bipartisan support, until yesterday when a secret hold was placed on the bill. Senator Feinstein has commented; "This is exactly the type of good-government law that the Senate could adopt as a stand alone measure." And yet Senator Lamar Alexander (R-TN) requested the block on behalf of an unidentified Republican senator. The bill in question would require electronic filing of financial disclosure reports by Senate campaigns.

The Hill reports that many groups are growing weary in the time lapse between the Senate passed ethics and lobbying reform bill and the one yet to be introduced in the House. "Growing nervous over possible further delay, ethics reform groups have stepped up their pressure on the House to introduce its companion piece to the Senate's lobbying reform bill." In response, efforts to uphold Congress' and the public's attention on the issue are crucial to avoid a final bill that is weak.