It's a recess on Capitol Hill, which means it's time to enjoy weekend outings with members of Congress—if you can afford the asking price.

At least five U.S. Senators are scheduled to hold fundraising events this weekend, with just two in their home state, according to invitations obtained by the Sunlight Foundation’s Political Party Time website.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is scheduled to speak at an event for the Lexington Chamber of Commerce on Friday “about the so-called fiscal cliff crisis that was recently averted, his role in the agreement that was reached, and what it will mean for the American people moving forward. He’ll also discuss upcoming issues to be debated in Congress, such as spending and our country’s long-term debt.”

When it comes to influence peddling in Washington, big donors don't need a magic lamp to make their wishes come true, just a big check to Sen. Vitter. Just days after the election, special interests hoping to influence Vitter are joining him on a fundraising trip to Disney World.

Here's a recap of Public Campaign and Public Campaign Action Fund's (PCAF) work from January 2 through January 20, 2011.

It's been a whirlwind end of the summer. Here's a recap of Public Campaign and Public Campaign Action Fund's (PCAF) work from August 19-September 16, 2011.

FROM THE BLOG:

The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, or "supercommittee," will meet today for the first time, beginning a three month process to reign in the nation's deficit. Considering the flurry of fundraisers some members of the committee are lining up, they better make the most of their time.

Q: Some watchdog groups have called for a moratorium on fundraising for the 12 lawmakers on the committee that will recommend the cuts, to keep the process free of special influence. What do you think about that?

A: "Personally, I've canceled a bunch of events."

Today, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is the guest of honor at a lunch fundraiser hosted at the Blank Rome lobbying firm in Washington, D.C. That is not unusual, of course; he has raised $2.5 million from lawyers and lobbyists during his time in Congress, according to data found at the Center for Responsive Politics website. Blank Rome’s PAC and lobbyists have donated $13,000 to his campaigns.

Public Campaign Action Fund and Common Cause have released a new report, "Uncloaking the Kochs: A Closer Look at the Chairmen of the Billionaire's Caucus."

Public Campaign Action Fund issued a press release today on how the newly-elected majority in the House is fully embracing the big money special interest culture in the Capitol. Politico reported this morning on the controversal decision by incoming Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Calif.) to hold a $2500-a-plate fundraiser at the posh W Hotel with singer LeAnn Rimes.