Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) opposed a proposal that would have required more disclosure of tribal political donations because it singled out tribes, The Native American Times reports.

The language was included in a lobbying reform bill considered by the Senate Rules Committee last week. It would have required tribes to report their donations to the Federal Election Commission.

Inouye successfully secured removal of the provisions. "Senator Inouye�s feeling was that the provision was unfair because it singled out tribes for their contributions and no one else," his spokesperson told The Times.

The lobbying reform bill is currently being debated on the Senate floor.

Get the Story:
Inouye spokesman: Issue is about fairness (The Native American Times 3/7)
One Nation leader wants to see crackdown on tribal campaign contributions (The Native American Times 3/7)

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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