Once again the Congress has spent time massaging the genitalia of the lobbyist–why not most of the lobbyist were in Congress–just away to pave the road when the present Congress decides to get involved.  The WSJ reported yesterday.

Congress has relaxed rules that would have required public disclosure of contributions and parties paid for by lobbyists, narrowing the scope of new ethics rules intended to draw back the veil on Washington’s influence game.

New guidance released by Congress late Wednesday exempts lobbyists from reporting their financing of an array of political and charitable contributions, events and parties at political conventions.

The capital’s lobbying community has been worried about the disclosure requirements because, for the first time, willful violations could carry up to a five-year jail term. Lobbyists are required to file reports by July 30. Now, they won’t have to disclose as much.

Under the new guidelines, “it’s hard to envision any event at the conventions that would trigger disclosure,” said Kenneth Gross, an attorney at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP who advises lobbyists on complying with ethics rules.

“This relieves lobbyists from tracking and reporting much information about attending or paying for events involving public officials, that would have been required before.”

So once again the Lobbyist win—Let the perks fly!