Lobbyists and the Legislative Process
Influencing Congressmen has been Tied to Corruption and Bribes
Oct 20, 2009
The role of lobbyist is frequently misunderstood by the public and is often equated with Congressional scandal and corruption. Lobbyists are individual people and/or groups that represent special interests. Oil companies employ hundreds of lobbyists, not only in Washington, but throughout state legislatures to lobby for legislation favorable to the energy industry. Lobbyists often bring knowledge and expertise to the legislative table, enabling Congressmen and their staffers to write sound bills. A fine line exists, however, between honest lobbying and using unethical and illegal methods to protect their clients’ interests.
Lobbying and Corruption
The practice of lobbying began in the 1820s at a time no laws existed regulating the relationships between members of Congress and special interest groups. As a result, the 19th Century is full of governmental corruption which tied key lawmakers to important and powerful industries like the railroad. Speaker of the House James Blaine, later a candidate for the presidency in the Election of 1884, accepted a substantial “loan” which was actually a bribe from the Union Pacific Railroad. In related scandals, Congressmen received stocks and bonds from railroad companies in return for favorable legislation.
The Grant administration was so tainted with corruption and scandal linked to the lobbying efforts of special interests that moderate Republicans led by men like Carl Schurz formed an opposition party. During the Gilded Age and into the Progressive Era, several Senate leaders were intricately tied to the “trusts,” the “malefactors of great wealth,” as stated by Teddy Roosevelt. Classic political cartoons of the day show the various trusts lining the walls of the Senate chamber, ensuring that “their” Senator voted for their interests.
When Progressives and Populists dared to champion bills that opposed special interests, the lobbyists launched attacks in order to retain their privileges. President Wilson referred to these campaigns as “ insidious.” Yet when the American people organized to lobby for jobs and decent wages, as in the case of the 1894 march on Washington by Jacob Coxey, they were ridiculed and arrested. In 1932 American veterans marched on Washington to lobby for promised benefits. This “Bonus Army” was forcibly dispersed by Douglas MacArthur.
Contemporary Lobbyist Scandals
The most notorious recent example of widespread Congressional corruption involved the Abramoff Scandal. The ensuing investigation brought down several key Republican lawmakers like Tom DeLay and Bob Ney. Dozens of staffers were also indicted. Jack Abramoff arranged for free first class trips, such as the celebrated St. Andrew’s golf junket for Chairman Bob Ney and his Chief of Staff. This is not unusual for lobbyists. Industries and special interests often pay for trips that might involve members of Congress and their spouses. These five-star vacations are tied to spurious, brief seminars or cultural exchange events in order to legitimize the trip.
Lobbyist groups, which are frequently prominent Washington law firms, employ relatives of Congressmen. Lobbyists make large donations to charities administered or supported by lawmakers. As in the case of Bob Ney, out right bribes are employed. Lobbyists from Congressional constituencies depend on the “pork barrel” money to fund often meaningless and inane local projects. The Teapot Museum in Sparta, North Carolina received $400,000 in taxpayer money in 2005. More recently, former Alaska Senator Ted Steven’s “bridge to nowhere” was to receive $398 million until national outrage removed the “earmark.”
Lobbyists Serve a Purpose
Senator George Smathers of Florida once commented that his former role as a Senator gave him instant access to the corridors of power on Capitol Hill. Former Congressmen and other high government officials are the best lobbyists and for many their salaries justify their prestige. Not only do they know how the legislative process works, but their collegial relationships ensure a fair hearing of the causes they promote. If fit properly into the legislative process, lobbyists bring necessary data to the debate. It is then up to legislators to accept or discard such data when serving the American people.
Sources:
- Lewis L. Gould, The Most Exclusive Club: A History of the Modern United States Senate(Basic Books, 2005)
- John P. Patrick and others, The Oxford Guide to the United States Government(Oxford University Press, 2001)
- Lloyd Robinson, The Stolen Election(Tom Doherty Books, 2001
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