Public
service turns to profiteering far too often. Members of Congress, their
staff and many executive branch employees often cash in their
government jobs for lobbying positions influencing their former
colleagues. Obviously, this undue influence does not always produce
policy and laws that are good for the people.
Congress is
currently finalizing its lobbying and ethics reform bill. The House
bill can be improved by including the following Senate-passed reforms:
1. Extending the cooling-off period from one year to two for members of Congress; 2. Prohibiting lobbying activities, as well as lobbying contacts, during the cooling off period; 3. Creating a ban of at least one year on lobbying contacts with Congress as a whole for former congressional staffers; and, 4.
Requiring public officials to publicly disclose negotiations for
private sector jobs that may pose a conflict-of-interest job vis-à-vis
their current positions.
It is essential that the House match the Senate’s efforts to slow the revolving door. Please take a minute to call (House directory/ (202) 225-3121) or personalize the email below.
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