Democratic-led US House votes tighter ethics rules

WASHINGTON, July 31 (Reuters) The Democratic-led US House of Representatives, which took power last year amid a spate of mostly Republican scandals, approved legislation today to toughen congressional ethics and lobbying laws.

Key measures in the bill would require greater disclosure of pet projects slipped into massive spending measures, prohibit congressional pensions to lawmakers convicted of bribery and require disclosure of campaign donations lobbyists collect for members of Congress.

The legislation now goes for final congressional approval to the Senate where some Republicans have voiced objections, complaining it does not go far enough. A number of public advocacy groups, however, have urged its passage.

Reuters JT DB2230