Are lobbyists corrupting US politics ?

The ability to "petition the government for a redress of grievances" is constitutionally guaranteed in the United States, which complicates the regulation of lobbyists' activities. However, in recent years, the swelling costs associated with federal political campaigns, and various scandals -- particularly the cash-for-legislation affair involving former Republican lobbyist Jack Abramoff -- have focussed political attention on the outsized influence wielded by professional lobbying firms.

 

Two practices have aroused the greatest concern:

 

• The professional 'revolving door' whereby former congressmen take lucrative lobbying jobs immediately after leaving office, and petition their ex-colleagues.
• The 'bundling' of campaign contributions undertaking by lobbying firms, on behalf of sympathetic lawmakers. Federal law limits individual campaign contributions to 2,300 dollars, so lobbying firms accept and bundle hundreds of such donations -- usually from members of the industries, interest groups or client firms they represent -- to the point where they become a significant element of politicians' campaign war chests.

Politicians from both political parties have benefited from these practices -- although the party in power generally benefits most.

The Democrats promised the institute meaningful reform measures during the 2006 mid-term election campaign, so the House voted on May 24 to force lobbyists to disclose the campaign contribution bundling they undertake. The Senate is now considering a similar measure. However, it will only apply to those who spend at least 20% of their time on lobbying activities and hold at least two meetings with government officials every six months.

Despite the new legislation, two perennial features of the Washington political scene will persist. The lobbyists clustered along K Street will find a way to present their clients' interests to lawmakers, accompanied by campaign cash. And the majority party in Congress will become more wedded to such support, the longer it remains in power.