Nation IN BRIEF : WASHINGTON, D.C. : Senate Paves Way to Lobbying Overhaul

The Senate struck a bipartisan deal paving the way for passage of legislation to tighten registration and disclosure requirements for lobbyists. But it remained divided over companion legislation to bar lawmakers from accepting free meals, trips and other favors from lobbyists--and sharply limit gifts from other sources--and faces a struggle over that matter. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) was working with Democrats and Republican freshmen to put together a compromise on the gift ban but said no agreement had been reached. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who has led the opposition to an outright ban on gifts to lawmakers, said the lobbying deal could enhance prospects for compromise on the gift issue. The Senate gave preliminary approval to a compromise on the proposed new lobbying rules.