Political Quotes

“yesterday in the Senate we heard testimony of blatant fraud masquerading as a legitimate lobbying operation. And also yesterday, the Washington Post ran a front page story detailing the excesses of K Street, known as Lobbyists Avenue. Mr. Speaker, it is clear that these are gold rush times for professional lobbyists in Washington, DC. Since 2000, the number of professional lobbyists has more than doubled, to 34,000. Professional lobbyists have become the full service ``back office'' to Congress, arranging lavish fact-finding trips, writing legislation, and functioning as an employment agency for Members and staff. Just as we put distance between donors and Members of Congress when they run for office, we need to do the same when it comes to professional lobbyists and Members of Congress who write the laws. Our bill, the Meehan-Emanuel bill, slows the revolving door between government and lobbying, enhances disclosure and transparency, curbs privately funded congressional junkets and gives teeth to enforcement mechanisms. With congressional approval at all-time lows, we must act now to restore public confidence. Mr. Speaker, when your gavel comes down, it should mark the opening of the people's house, not the auction house. ____________________”