I worked with lobbyists as a grad student to reach Senate and the House for special earmarked grants to use for economically depressed federally recognized American Indian tribes in the lower 48. I learned quickly lobbyists are concerned with one outcome. That is their payday to make connections needed to navigate the bureaucracy in D.C.
My takeaway from using a lobbyist or two is they will tell lawmakers anything in the hope of getting them onboard. Lobbyists should be banned outright especially former politicians, political appointees, industry CEO's or retired civil service employees. There'
I worked with lobbyists as a grad student to reach Senate and the House for special earmarked grants to use for economically depressed federally recognized American Indian tribes in the lower 48. I learned quickly lobbyists are concerned with one outcome. That is their payday to make connections needed to navigate the bureaucracy in D.C.
My takeaway from using a lobbyist or two is they will tell lawmakers anything in the hope of getting them onboard. Lobbyists should be banned outright especially former politicians, political appointees, industry CEO's or retired civil service employees. There's always been too much money changing hands and there are no favors only quid pro quo. K Street should be shut down and all lobbyists banned from DC. People like Abramoff as a case in point were outright thieves and he was one who got caught. How many more like Abramoff have never been caught lobbying for MIC or other special interest groups? Wheeler of the EPA and DOI's Secretary as another example of former lobbyists now running federal agencies serving their former employers to favors such as deregulation or access to our public lands at no cost or benefit to we the people as but two examples.
A series of legal deceptive scripts to satisfy the uninformed righteous voters on Election Day. How else can they pass legislation that is so detrimental to the voters own self interests?
Having been a lobbyist for more than a decade, I can answer this from firsthand experience.
Among the many issues I lobbied were tax, investment and cyber security matters. On each of them either I or a subject matter expert could provide to lawmakers and their staff valuable information on proposed or needed legislation, which could help to make legislation better while avoiding unintended consequences.
Here are just two examples.
First, in 2008 the financial markets experienced one of their worst meltdowns in years. Some lawmakers thought instruments known as naked shorts were responsible or we
Having been a lobbyist for more than a decade, I can answer this from firsthand experience.
Among the many issues I lobbied were tax, investment and cyber security matters. On each of them either I or a subject matter expert could provide to lawmakers and their staff valuable information on proposed or needed legislation, which could help to make legislation better while avoiding unintended consequences.
Here are just two examples.
First, in 2008 the financial markets experienced one of their worst meltdowns in years. Some lawmakers thought instruments known as naked shorts were responsible or were a major contributing factor. No. It was derivatives, which were virtually unregulated and highly risky. I brought experts in to DC to explain how derivatives were a problem and needed regulation, and lobbied the issue myself for a year. As a result strict regulation of derivatives was included in the Dodd-Frank Act.
Second, there’s an arcane tax matter that sounds good on the surface but would cause serious harm to middle class Americans saving for their retirement. I’ll spare you the gory details, but suffice to say it would have reduced people’s returns by about 2% per year. Over a lifetime that could result in the loss of half a million dollars in even a small investor’s account. I spent years explaining this to numerous lawmakers and their staff. As a result, interest in that tax has diminished and small investor accounts are saved.
Oh, here’s a third. A while back lawmakers were looking for a way to help people save more for retirement. Various proposals were being considered, but wouldn’t have done much. We weighed in with a workable idea — rather than have new employees opt in to a 401k plan (the majority did not), have them get automatically enrolled, provide for an additional 1% contribution with each raise (until a 10% rate was reached), and change the default investment from a money market fund to a life strategy fund keyed to an employee’s age. These ideas were incorporated into the Pension Protection Act of 2006. Enrollment in 401k retirement savings account rose from less than 40% to more than 60%, people are saving more each year, and they’re getting better returns. Employees can still opt out if they want, but most don’t — especially once they see their retirement savings growing.
So a good lobbyist can provide helpful information, research, experience and knowledge — which lawmakers would either have to do without or pay for with your tax dollars. A good lobbyist is a credible, trusted subject matter expert with something far more valuable than campaign contributions to offer — reliable, in-depth information.
As far as I can tell, from a practical standpoint, the most significant thing most politicians get from lobbyists is how many significant digits are in the donation to their campaign.
First thought: lobbyists were literally in the room and helping to physically write healthcare reforms 2 years ago. A gang of Republican men, no women and no Democrats, Libertarians or Independent party representatives. Just lobbyists and a few Republican dudes.
Follow the money. Lobbyists are more powerful than American citizens. Follow the money and ye shall always find the pro or con information lobbyists provide to support THEIR interests.
I love the idea that congress should wear sponsor patches - just like NASCAR drivers.
Providing lawmakers with information is enlightened self-interest. It should be remembered that the information is neither balanced nor necessarily complete.
Lobbyists are salesmen with a packed envelope. Nothing more. Their story, sold as “information”, is always biased. One sided. Will never tell the entire truth, just the part that sells a congressman the idea the lobbyist needs to sell. Congress seldom “has time” to vet his story, especially when the envelope gets left with the Congressmen. I say they corrupt the system more than being upfront. IF Congress was fair, they’d regulate lobbyists more carefully. What I would do is get an expert’s opinion on every item any lobbyist is trying to sell, and hold the lobbyists and the company he’s sellin
Lobbyists are salesmen with a packed envelope. Nothing more. Their story, sold as “information”, is always biased. One sided. Will never tell the entire truth, just the part that sells a congressman the idea the lobbyist needs to sell. Congress seldom “has time” to vet his story, especially when the envelope gets left with the Congressmen. I say they corrupt the system more than being upfront. IF Congress was fair, they’d regulate lobbyists more carefully. What I would do is get an expert’s opinion on every item any lobbyist is trying to sell, and hold the lobbyists and the company he’s selling responsible for the end product. If it doesn’t do what the (L) and the company says, no excuses, fines and possible jail time for both, and barred from being a lobbyist for at least a year up to 5. No loopholes.
It is not, a lobbyist language is money and the one with the most money wins. The only significant thing about that is it is a dirty loathsome evil enterprise and only hurts the citizens while making politicians rich.
Just one word - DISGUSTING! Lobbyists are not driven by what is right or wrong but by an agenda & controlled by their masters! A perfect example is the ongoing case with Julian Assange, who published an expose on US war crimes. This also includes Chelsea Manning & Edward Snowden The US has attempted to alter the constitution in their favour, to imprison Assange yet not one damn thing has been done to charge the perps of their war crimes. In fact, Trump recently let go a US war criminal.
It's not so much the information as it is the money and donation dollars they bring. The information is often biased to the industry they work for (which is expected) - the money they bring and basically bribe by promising donations and “support" is the real problem. This is how the system of democracy was corrupted
First, understand that lobbying is constructed from the Bill of Rights:
Amendment I
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
Particularly the “right of the people to peaceably assemble” —often referred to as “Free Association” derived from the 1st & 14th amendments combined or separately in various court decisions (including forming labor unions, clubs, political par
First, understand that lobbying is constructed from the Bill of Rights:
Amendment I
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”
Particularly the “right of the people to peaceably assemble” —often referred to as “Free Association” derived from the 1st & 14th amendments combined or separately in various court decisions (including forming labor unions, clubs, political parties, and PACs)
and to “petition the government for a redress of grievances.” (which includes lobbying firms).
There are many lobbying firms or industries behind lobbying firms that I disagree with.
However, there are many industries being represented by lobbying firms I strongly support: Cancer research, Childhood Poverty, Clean Air and Water.
Unfortunately, the associations I most disagree with are usually better funded than the associations I do: Coal, Oil & Gas vs Clean Air and Water, for instance.
The worst cases of lobbying gone awry is illustrated by groups like ALEC, the American Legislative Exchange Council, which drafts template legislation for Koch industries and the Oil & Gas industries and gets it passed in state legislature after state legislature, mostly weakening local enforcement of fracking, pipeline routing, clear air and water regulations, and waste disposal.
Lobbyists serve a number of roles.
The one most of the public believes is that they funnel money to politicians in return for their votes supporting the lobbyists’ clients. Many certainly do that.
However, they also fill other roles.
Among these:
Providing information to legislators on the topics they are considering for legislation. A congressman’s or Senator’s staff can only do so much as can most government agencies. In addition, all these sources will put forward information that supports their positions. So lobbyists can be a source of additional information and may provide ideas that a legis
Lobbyists serve a number of roles.
The one most of the public believes is that they funnel money to politicians in return for their votes supporting the lobbyists’ clients. Many certainly do that.
However, they also fill other roles.
Among these:
Providing information to legislators on the topics they are considering for legislation. A congressman’s or Senator’s staff can only do so much as can most government agencies. In addition, all these sources will put forward information that supports their positions. So lobbyists can be a source of additional information and may provide ideas that a legislator would never otherwise hear.
Providing the names of experts or other professionals with expertise in particular subject matter areas that the legislators can speak with on those topics.
Providing background on candidates for government jobs on which the legislators are expected to provide advice or consent.
Providing information to the legislators on where the public’s opinion may be on topics under consideration for legislation.
Now, no doubt, the lobbyists’ information and advice provided to the legislators is undoubtedly provided to support the interests of whoever is paying the lobbyists, but, again, mostly everyone else who is providing information to the legislators is doing the same thing.
As regards, the Trump Presidency and the current GOP Senatorial mob, the only information required to significantly effect lawmakers, is a signed cheque made to their camaign funds!
In theory, lobbyists know more about the details on the subject matter. But toward what reason when they ask lawmakers to vote a particular way?
To the extent that they are experts in anything politicians are experts in re-election.
Lobbyists are typically experts the law and/or in the industries for whom they work. Their inputs are particularly important during the conference committee markup.
Simple. Money.
Ever since the Republican Supreme Court decided in ‘Citizens United’ that businesses are people, Washington has been for sale to the highest bidder.
Assuming you mean full-time professional lobbyists, almost certainly not, although many of the high-profile lobbyists are.
Many, many lobbyists are former legislative staff members and former legislators. The latter are somewhat more likely to have been attorneys than the former. Most legislative staff are not lawyers. In the United States Congress they come in very young, directly from college, and earn very low wages, so after five or ten or 15 years (or when their boss loses an election) they are ready to move over to the private sector to put their legislative skills to work for paying cli
Assuming you mean full-time professional lobbyists, almost certainly not, although many of the high-profile lobbyists are.
Many, many lobbyists are former legislative staff members and former legislators. The latter are somewhat more likely to have been attorneys than the former. Most legislative staff are not lawyers. In the United States Congress they come in very young, directly from college, and earn very low wages, so after five or ten or 15 years (or when their boss loses an election) they are ready to move over to the private sector to put their legislative skills to work for paying clients instead of ungrateful voters.
My first job was as a legislative advocate for the ACLU’s California Legislative Office. I was not feeling good about this job offer . The same day as the offer was made I was at a dinner where the late Julian Bond was a guest. As he was one of the first Black elected representatives to the Georgia State legislature after reconstruction, I discussed my job offer with him. He was very helpful. He explained that as a Georgia State Legislature he had a limited staff, actually shared a secretary. Lobbyists, he explained were very important in terms of providing information and data that could used
My first job was as a legislative advocate for the ACLU’s California Legislative Office. I was not feeling good about this job offer . The same day as the offer was made I was at a dinner where the late Julian Bond was a guest. As he was one of the first Black elected representatives to the Georgia State legislature after reconstruction, I discussed my job offer with him. He was very helpful. He explained that as a Georgia State Legislature he had a limited staff, actually shared a secretary. Lobbyists, he explained were very important in terms of providing information and data that could used to assessed legislative proposals. Given that guidance, I decided to take the job which I did for five years. Lobbying has gotten a bad rap, so I prefer the term, legislative advocate which sounds better and is more consistent with what I do as an advocate for the poor and disadvantaged. My job is to show how the system is not working and make suggestions based on fact on what needs to be done better.
Could, and should, congress do away with lobbyists?
No and no.
Lobbyists actually serve a good purpose. They educate representatives on issues that don't necessarily affect them or their constituents. For example, my congressman is Democrat Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). He is very well versed in issues affecting my district, including terror prevention, flood prevention, and agricultural subsidies. He is not very well versed in areas like oil refinery. A lobbyist’s job would be to come in and educate Gottheimer on oil refinery so that he can make an informed decision on the bill for my district.
Lobbyi
Could, and should, congress do away with lobbyists?
No and no.
Lobbyists actually serve a good purpose. They educate representatives on issues that don't necessarily affect them or their constituents. For example, my congressman is Democrat Josh Gottheimer (NJ-5). He is very well versed in issues affecting my district, including terror prevention, flood prevention, and agricultural subsidies. He is not very well versed in areas like oil refinery. A lobbyist’s job would be to come in and educate Gottheimer on oil refinery so that he can make an informed decision on the bill for my district.
Lobbyists also have 1st Amendment protections.
We have the right to petition our government for a redress of grievances. Getting rid of lobbyists would violate that basic right.
The 1st amendment gives citizens the right to redress grievances. Lobbying is just another way to accomplish this
Lobbyists do not give money to politicians, although their sponsoring organizations, people, and companies may do so. Lobbyists often entertain political officials in the context of promoting their opinions on legislation, but the cost of the entertainment is never returned unless there is some major scandal.
The political donations are not payment for support, but rather payment in hope of obtaining or maintaining support, and again, they are never returned unless there is some sort of scandal, or the politician is trying to make a point with other constituents. It is very rare and more for a
Lobbyists do not give money to politicians, although their sponsoring organizations, people, and companies may do so. Lobbyists often entertain political officials in the context of promoting their opinions on legislation, but the cost of the entertainment is never returned unless there is some major scandal.
The political donations are not payment for support, but rather payment in hope of obtaining or maintaining support, and again, they are never returned unless there is some sort of scandal, or the politician is trying to make a point with other constituents. It is very rare and more for a show of something than of any significant amount.
Politicians might be more fair if they had less government power to sell, but they will be enticed whether by lobbyists or by others. Enticement is not limited to money; approval, votes, committee assignments and invitations to Georgetown cocktail parties are powerful enticements. Members of the Supreme Court, for instance, are enticed by the New York Times and members of Congress.
Lobbyists who slither through the halls of Congress to obtain special benefits, privileges and immunities for their clients are NOT ethical. They fail to realize that the benefits they obtain are obtained at others’ expense. The politicians who take campaign contributions in return for those special favors are even more immoral. Their role is to protect all in the enjoyment of what is theirs - their lives, liberties and possessions, not to take away and give away what belongs to some (even if it’s just the taxpayers) for the benefit of others. Politics is where lobbyists go to get special bene
Lobbyists who slither through the halls of Congress to obtain special benefits, privileges and immunities for their clients are NOT ethical. They fail to realize that the benefits they obtain are obtained at others’ expense. The politicians who take campaign contributions in return for those special favors are even more immoral. Their role is to protect all in the enjoyment of what is theirs - their lives, liberties and possessions, not to take away and give away what belongs to some (even if it’s just the taxpayers) for the benefit of others. Politics is where lobbyists go to get special benefits for their clients, and at their neighbors’ expense. If “all men are created equal,” government should treat them as such, not pick winners and losers.
They want to show the constituents in their districts that they went to DC and were able to help their communities but I think that has tapered off in recent years.
How do politicians get paid by lobbyists, and how can they kill critical bills that go against their lobbyists wishes?
Parties, “Outings", under the Table “Gifts", but mostly through the HUGE, and Unfettered “Contributions” to a Politician's “Campaign" Funds, and PACs.
They RARELY Vote Against a Strong Lobby's Wishes.
Which is Why both TERM LIMITS, and Donation Limits are Needed So Desperately.
When you hear Bernie Sanders describe the effects of the lobbyists and the impact on every middle and lo income worker on investigation with open eyes you realize why USA today is so divided!!
PHARMACEUTICAL .INSURANCE INDUSTRIES. PETROLEUM NRA, Financial and Educational are some of the main interst groups who lobby to control really what the elected govt is elected to control.
Here are some questions to be asked which affects the cost of every family.
1 Why do you need to spend BILLIONS of dollars to promote and advertise prescription drugs??
2 Why does the NRA only in USA also spend billions to
When you hear Bernie Sanders describe the effects of the lobbyists and the impact on every middle and lo income worker on investigation with open eyes you realize why USA today is so divided!!
PHARMACEUTICAL .INSURANCE INDUSTRIES. PETROLEUM NRA, Financial and Educational are some of the main interst groups who lobby to control really what the elected govt is elected to control.
Here are some questions to be asked which affects the cost of every family.
1 Why do you need to spend BILLIONS of dollars to promote and advertise prescription drugs??
2 Why does the NRA only in USA also spend billions to defend and promote its control on government to deregulate gun control.
3 Why does the Insurance industries spend Billions to promote private insurance and stop universal health care.?
4 Why does the privare educational lobby spend millions to keep the public school system from maintaining top international standards!!
This data is readily available but most people do not realize the impact on your everyday life. In the 2020 election this will evermore be hilited!!
There are two kinds of lobbyists representing two different interests:
- Aggregated groups of citizens - MADD perhaps being the best example. They want the laws changed because the current laws allow one group of people to have a bad impact on another group of people. And, in return, they can offer gratitude and, perhaps, a vote in the next election.
- Corporations or aggregations thereof - National Association of Manufacturers being a good example. They want the laws changed for the benefit of their members. And, in return, there is an implied monetary benefit when the congress member wants to reti
There are two kinds of lobbyists representing two different interests:
- Aggregated groups of citizens - MADD perhaps being the best example. They want the laws changed because the current laws allow one group of people to have a bad impact on another group of people. And, in return, they can offer gratitude and, perhaps, a vote in the next election.
- Corporations or aggregations thereof - National Association of Manufacturers being a good example. They want the laws changed for the benefit of their members. And, in return, there is an implied monetary benefit when the congress member wants to retire and get a no-show job for about $500,000/year plus various board memberships at $100,000-$300,000/year. If you drill deep into our laws, you would discover special provisions that are carefully crafted to benefit a single company. This class of lobbyists are an anathema to our democracy.
How do lobbyists influence lawmakers?
It’s a very complex maneuver …THEY GIVE THEM A SHITLOAD OF MONEY…end of answer…;o\
Relative to Congress, power comes from roughly four sources:
- Ideas and information. This was the original idea behind lobbying and still is important to legislators who take their responsibilities seriously. But that does not make the lobbyist powerful, merely useful.
- Votes. Any person or institution that represents a large number of voters, or can influence a large number of voters will have power relative to Congress, just as the people have power relative to Congress.
- Money. Any person or institution that can contribute substantial amounts of money to the Congressman personally, or to his re-e
Relative to Congress, power comes from roughly four sources:
- Ideas and information. This was the original idea behind lobbying and still is important to legislators who take their responsibilities seriously. But that does not make the lobbyist powerful, merely useful.
- Votes. Any person or institution that represents a large number of voters, or can influence a large number of voters will have power relative to Congress, just as the people have power relative to Congress.
- Money. Any person or institution that can contribute substantial amounts of money to the Congressman personally, or to his re-election campaign, or represents people who can contribute money, will have power.
- Publicity. Any person or institution that can provide good or bad publicity about a member of Congress, helping or harming his own power and re-election prospects.
The legislators in the unelected administrative State also respond to #1, #3, and #4, giving lobbyists power in the realm of regulatory legislation.
The largest and most powerful lobby in the nation’s capital is the national government itself - government lobbying government. Second are the state governments - client governments lobbying the dominant government.
In the 1990s, Microsoft had no lobbying presence in Washington, D.C. The Justice Department began investigating Microsoft for anti-trust violations and the Senate held hearings. Microsoft relented and established a lobbying presence in Washington and their problems vanished. Imagine that: the entire anti-trust charade was extortion: give us money or we will break up your company.
How much do lobbyists control the government and laws that are passed?
According to studies, the opinions of 90% of the population don’t matter at all.
“When the authors look only at the preferences of average citizens, it appears that they do have a pretty big effect on policy change. But when they add the preferences of economic elites and interest groups to the analysis, the impact of average citizens vanishes entirely. Basically, average citizens only get what they want if economic elites o...
Lobbyists don’t have to do any of that. A lobbyist is just a representative of a corporation or interest group hired to petition goverment officials in the name of their employer. And lobbyists have to be registered in order to lobby members of congress. As far as what lobbyist do, it’s kind of up in the air as long as it’s not considered unethical. I imagine there are a lot of lobbyist that are only interested in one specific issue important to their employers. And they may care less about what else lawmakers are involved in.
Their clients pay them.
Big companies, trade associations.
Apple, Google, Microsoft. PhRMA. NRA. American Grocery Association.
They call it “Government Relations.”
The industries they represent because they industry will benefit from advantageous legislation.
the politicians who receive the largess of the industries represented by the lobbyists and…
Taaa dahh:
The lobby firms and lobbyists themselves who are paid millions or billions in the aggregate to influence legislation and legislators.
Three general routes:
- Knowledge of a specific industry - Either as a lawyer or a high-level manager, you've earned the trust of an organization enough to represent them in Washington.
- Political background - You learned the ins-and-outs of Washington as staff in a government office, or you are a former Congressman (former representatives have lifetime access to some members-only areas.)
- Lobbyist career path - You probably majored in government relations, political science or legislative management. You got an entry-level job at a lobbying firm and worked your way up. If you have a 4-year-degree a
Three general routes:
- Knowledge of a specific industry - Either as a lawyer or a high-level manager, you've earned the trust of an organization enough to represent them in Washington.
- Political background - You learned the ins-and-outs of Washington as staff in a government office, or you are a former Congressman (former representatives have lifetime access to some members-only areas.)
- Lobbyist career path - You probably majored in government relations, political science or legislative management. You got an entry-level job at a lobbying firm and worked your way up. If you have a 4-year-degree and get some campaign experience, you're qualified to be an entry-level Staff Assistant.
derallo.me
Citizens have every right to run for Congress and represent their districts.
Most members of Congress are lawyers; most lobbyists are lawyers—many of whom are also former members of Congress.
Being an effective member of Congress requires some staff, researchers, attorneys and other expert assistance. Lobbyists happily provide them with those resources.
In order to be an effective lobbyist you have to understand how to serve the interests of the general public, the special interest groups and most of all the legal profession.
It’s not by accident that lawyers and judges are siphoning an amount rou
Citizens have every right to run for Congress and represent their districts.
Most members of Congress are lawyers; most lobbyists are lawyers—many of whom are also former members of Congress.
Being an effective member of Congress requires some staff, researchers, attorneys and other expert assistance. Lobbyists happily provide them with those resources.
In order to be an effective lobbyist you have to understand how to serve the interests of the general public, the special interest groups and most of all the legal profession.
It’s not by accident that lawyers and judges are siphoning an amount roughly equal to 20% of United States GDP off the top every year. The work pays very well but if you think it’s easy you should try it.
Our Constitution was written to encourage citizen government. One of the resources available to citizens is to directly address Congress and the Executive Branch. Lobbyists do that. They also are heavily involved in addressing Congress on behalf of foreign investors and other actors across the seas. This agency clearly was not envisioned by the Founders at the time of the ratification.
I am not sure this is an example for lobbying or not but this is a case in which people were misinformed for helping a particular organisation.
The ethyl corporation presenting Leaded gasoline as environment friendly
In the early 1920’s the petroleum companies (like ethyl corporation)discovered that the presence of lead in gasoline would help in reducing the knocking in engines by boosting the octane level. However soon after the discovery, scientists from many parts of the world raised concern over the toxicity of Lead.
Tetra Ethyl Lead present in gasoline is different from the Lead in paint, it
I am not sure this is an example for lobbying or not but this is a case in which people were misinformed for helping a particular organisation.
The ethyl corporation presenting Leaded gasoline as environment friendly
In the early 1920’s the petroleum companies (like ethyl corporation)discovered that the presence of lead in gasoline would help in reducing the knocking in engines by boosting the octane level. However soon after the discovery, scientists from many parts of the world raised concern over the toxicity of Lead.
Tetra Ethyl Lead present in gasoline is different from the Lead in paint, its fat soluble. Half of it in our skin could kill us. The Ethyl corporation calculated to sell 60 million tons of it in a year.
“We are strong and tough and lovely because in us there is lead”
The oil companies even went on to brand Lead as environment friendly and even started publishing cartoons with Lead as protectors of the world.
It took the likes of Clair Cameron Patterson to fight for almost 50 years against the oil companies to win the war against Leaded petrol.
Political influence is a hot commodity and lobbyists are frequently the brokers. There are organizations that hire and train young lobbyists for particular clients. At a higher level, people with experience segue into careers as lobbyists - engineers, union negotiators, lawyers, etc.
Near zero. Lobbyists of all points of view offer suggestions, sometimes written out in detail, but rarely try to put their suggestions into actual bill form, because there’s no point. Senators and Representatives who like suggestions that they are given will send the ideas to the Legislative Counsel’s office to be written up into appropriate form and will usually circulate drafts among those who agree with the basic idea of the legislation, attempting to get initial support, quite often making changes in their drafts before formal introduction.
Few bills that make it out of committee are passed
Near zero. Lobbyists of all points of view offer suggestions, sometimes written out in detail, but rarely try to put their suggestions into actual bill form, because there’s no point. Senators and Representatives who like suggestions that they are given will send the ideas to the Legislative Counsel’s office to be written up into appropriate form and will usually circulate drafts among those who agree with the basic idea of the legislation, attempting to get initial support, quite often making changes in their drafts before formal introduction.
Few bills that make it out of committee are passed without committee revision, and further changes can be made during House or Senate consideration or in negotiations between the two houses or with the President. It’s virtually impossible for a major bill to make it all the way into law the way it was originally drafted, all the more so in the rare instance in which the original draft was written by a lobbyist.
You need to look no further than the Supreme Court ruling of Citizens United v. FEC in 2010 where unlimited amounts of money used in corporate lobbying was protected by law.
Corporate lobbying money buys influence because it is used by politicians to gain power by being elected. Corporate lobbying money is an deliberate investment in placing a politician in power. The return on investment is that corporation gets favorable regulatory treatment, favorable tax treatment, an edge on their competition in terms of political influence, legal immunity from criminal liability, protection from fede
You need to look no further than the Supreme Court ruling of Citizens United v. FEC in 2010 where unlimited amounts of money used in corporate lobbying was protected by law.
Corporate lobbying money buys influence because it is used by politicians to gain power by being elected. Corporate lobbying money is an deliberate investment in placing a politician in power. The return on investment is that corporation gets favorable regulatory treatment, favorable tax treatment, an edge on their competition in terms of political influence, legal immunity from criminal liability, protection from federal regulators, tax subsidies, sweetheart government contracts, etc ... Corporate capitalism is all about the Return on investment as the returns on the money invested in lobbying far exceed the donations.
The politicians serve the corporations and no longer serve the USA citizens.
So the USA is now Corporatocracy, a government for the corporations, by the corporations and of the corporations.
Corporatocracy /ˌkɔrpərəˈtɒkrəsi/, is a term used as an economic and political system controlled by corporations and/or corporate interests.[1] It is a generally pejorative term often used by critics of the current economic situation in a particular country, especially the United States.[2][3] This is different from corporatism, which is the organisation of society into groups with common interests. Corporatocracy as a term tends to be used by liberal and left-leaning critics, but also some economic libertarian critics and other political observers across the political spectrum.[2][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16]Economist Jeffrey Sachs described the United States as a corporatocracy in his book The Price of Civilization.[17] He suggested that it arose from four trends: weak national parties and strong political representation of individual districts, the large U.S. military establishment after World War II, big corporate money financing election campaigns, and globalization tilting the balance away from workers
In the real world money and power move entire mountains.
Dishonest Legislators have been known to accept cash bribes and other benefits from lobbyists; some of them former legislators themselves, who heavily promote their new employers agendas to make them tons of money.
Because they haven’t been in office long enough for them or there staff to know what is actually going on. That’s why term limits plays into the hands of lobbyists.
You cannot.
Lobbying is protected by the US Constitution. So, if you want to change something, you’d have to pass and ratify a constitutional amendment. And that’s not going to happen.
And, if you think about it, you don’t want it to happen. You’re simply opposed to lobbyists who oppose your point of view. If you accomplished your goal, you would eliminate all organized political advocacy.
Available money. defines powerful lobby. The more available money, the greater the power.
People who have money to “invest” in political positions are the power players. Lobbies that represent large numbers of power players, again, represent available money, to which we return to the first point.
Lobbies used to be powerful in terms of numbers of people represented. Implicit in that is those people might, as a block, vote for or against something or someone. Today, however, the money available matters more. More money can be used to sway more people to vote than large groups more tenuously tied
Available money. defines powerful lobby. The more available money, the greater the power.
People who have money to “invest” in political positions are the power players. Lobbies that represent large numbers of power players, again, represent available money, to which we return to the first point.
Lobbies used to be powerful in terms of numbers of people represented. Implicit in that is those people might, as a block, vote for or against something or someone. Today, however, the money available matters more. More money can be used to sway more people to vote than large groups more tenuously tied to a few positions that may not even be consequential to the current election issues.
Finally, there is the rhetorical element. How persuasive are the lobbyists? The American Rice Farmers are probably going to get crowded out by mobs of bullhorn blaring feminists and environmentalists barging into this or that office on Capitol Hill, not to mention the slick-suited smooth talking pharmacy or petroleum lobbyists wanting to chat over a fine dinner at an exclusive club.
The power of the lobby, then, will be the one who enables the most votes.