An incoming member of the U.S. Congress says Democrats plan to change the way lawmakers do business in Washington when they take control of the House of Representatives in January.
Jerry McNerney of the western U.S. state of California said in the Democrats' weekly radio address Saturday that members of his party plan to ban gifts and travel that is funded by lobbyists. They also plan to prohibit the use of corporate jets, and will institute budget rules that require lawmakers to make sure the projects they approve are funded.
He said Democrats will hold members of Congress accountable to the people who elect them, rather than to lobbyists and special interests.
Democrats take over the majority in both the House and the Senate when the members convene next Thursday, January 4.