by USA Today Staff Writers

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Senate cleared the way Thursday to make lawmakers disclose more about their efforts to fund pet projects and raise money from lobbyists, a move hailed by reform groups.

The 80-17 vote ended debate on the ethics and lobbying bill, clearing the way for final passage later Thursday. The House overwhelmingly passed the Democratic-crafted measure Tuesday.

HOUSE: Stricter lobbying standards passed

The legislation “is the most sweeping reform bill since Watergate,” Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., said during the Senate debate.

But several Republicans said it falls short of requiring full disclosure of “earmarks,” or targeted spending items slipped into bills to fund pet projects sought by constituents, lobbyists or others.

“It has completely gutted the earmark reform provisions we overwhelmingly passed in January,” said Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. He broke with several former allies on the open-government front. They included Sen. Russ Feingold, D-Wis., who embraced the bill as a major step forward.

The bill would require lawmakers to disclose those lobbyists who raise $15,000 or more for them within a six-month period by “bundling” donations from many people.

Lawmakers seeking earmarks would have to publicize their plans 48 hours before the Senate votes on them. They would have to certify the earmarks would not directly benefit them financially.

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