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Lobbying and Ethics
Reform Blog
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Soft Landing for Losers-Turned-Lobbyists
Congress Considers Lobby Reform Legislation
Although federal law prohibits former members of Congress from lobbying former colleagues for a year from when they leave office, that hasn't stopped a number of members who lost their elections last November from joining lobbying firms, today's lead USA Today story reports.
Nothing in the law prohibits former Congress members from advising lobbyists and clients, lobbying executive branch officials or directing a firm's congressional lobbying efforts.
Last month, the Senate passed, S.1, a bill with a provision (Sec. 241) sponsored by Sen. Russell Feingold (D-WI) that would extend the lobbying ban to two years and prohibit ex-lawmakers from all lobbying-related activities during that time. A similar bill will be introduced in the House next week, a House Democratic spokesman says.
Posted by Dana Chasin
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