But senators will accept the usual demurrals, and the absence of a political opponent will prevent a promissory race to the bottom.

In a separate House inquiry, a witness said the senator, a New Jersey Democrat, had accepted gifts from him as well.

But the senators did not accept a House provision that wouldallow the value of investments to be adjusted annually for inflation.

The petition demonstrated that the Republican senators, holding a slim 49-to-47 majority, would not easily accept a Wilson initiative.

The senator never accepted any of his "romantic" getaway overtures anyway.

A senator can accept honorariums that are equal to up 40 percent of salary.

In addition to their salaries, senators may accept fees for speaking, writing and other activities, up to an amount equaling 40 percent of their salaries.

In that year, 71 senators accepted more than $2 million in such payments from organizations that sought their favor.

A popular national campaign saw senators accept reduced salaries and donations flow to the government.

Sixty-four senators accepted $2 million last year in payments for speaking engagements.