House

Senate kills amendment to prevent conflict of interest in the White House

by Josiah Ryan - 02/02/12 8:12 PM ET

Paul said from the floor that the financial accountability the president has publicly demanded from the Congress ought also to apply to the White House.

“I think the idea you should not make money off of being in government is an important one but I think it should not just apply to Congress,” he said. “It should also apply to the executive branch.”

Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) came to the White House’s defense, saying the rule was too strict, and objected to the fact that it would apply to family members.

“In this case this applies the harshest penalties that have ever been applied to members of the executive branch,” said Lieberman.

The upper chamber also approved 81-18 an amendment offered by Lieberman that would require 3,000 members of the executive branch to file their financial disclosure forms electronically.

Tags