Tribal provisions were removed from a lobbying reform bill that was approved by the Senate Senate Rules Committee on Tuesday but efforts to change how tribes do business aren't over.

The bill was drafted by Sen. Trent Lott (R-Mississippi), the committee chairman. It would have required tribes to register with the Federal Election Commission and file reports on their campaign contributions.

Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) introduced an amendment to strike the provisions from the bill. By a voice vote, the committee agreed to remove the provisions.

Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), however, said he will consider bringing up similar proposals on the Senate floor. He said the goal is more "transparency" in tribal political giving -- not limits on tribal donations, as others have sought.

Get the Story:
Reform bill clears panel (The Hill 3/1)
Senate Panel Approves Modest Curbs on Lobbyists (The New York Times 3/1)
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Panel Calls for Greater Disclosure From Senators Over Lobbying (The Los Angeles Times 3/1)
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Senate Panel Backs New Ethics Disclosures (AP 2/28)
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FEC Advisory:
Indian Tribes (February 2, 2006)

Federal Elections Commission Opinions:
Advisory Opinion 1999-32 (January 28, 2000) | Advisory Opinion 2000-05 (May 15, 2000) | Advisory Opinion 2005-01 (March 14, 2005)

More Advisory Opinion 2005-01 Documents:
Advisory Opinion Draft A and Draft B | Tribe's Request for Advisory Opinion

Relevant Links:
Federal Election Commission - http://www.fec.gov
PoliticalMoneyLine - http://www.politicalmoneyline.com
Center for Responsive Politics - http://www.opensecrets.org

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