DClobbyist
Washington, DC
Male, 44
I've been a Federal lobbyist since 1998. During that time, I worked with Members of Congress, their staff, key Federal agency decision makers and 3 Presidential administrations (Clinton, Bush and Obama). I worked on a number of high level issues for clients and fought many legislative battles on Capitol Hill.
Right now, registered lobbyists must filed activity reports 4 times a year and reports on financial contributions 2 times a year. The penalty for knowingly failing to file reports, or filing false reports is a fine up to $250,000 and/or imprisonment up to 5 years. There are also several "good government groups" that monitor lobbying activity. Lobbyists are also bound by the Honest Leadership of Government Act (HLOGA) which became law after the Abramoff scandal. The problem, is that the rules only apply to registered lobbyists. The average citizen lobbyist does not meet the thresholds to become a registered lobbyist. Therefore, they can legally do many things that a registered lobbyist can not, like give gifts, etc. I would support a law that says EVERYONE who meets with a Member of Congress for the purpose of influencing legislation must, at a minimum, register and be bound by the HLOGA rules.
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If it is used properly, the filibuster is important. Congress should debate proposed legislation fully; a filibuster allows that to happen. However, if a Senator invokes the filibuster -- and does nothing else --- he is abusing the process.
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The beginning of the term is best because both parties and the White House talk about what they want to accomplish and clients are anxious to get in the game. For me, January 3 -- the first day of the new Congress is the "super bowl".
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It really depends on what the client wants. Some things are easier to make happen than others. For example, it’s fairly easy to get a bill introduced in Congress. It’s more difficult to shepard it through Congress, get it passed and get it to the President. These days, getting Federal funding for programs is getting tougher; but there are ways to make it happen. Many times, a client doesn’t get exactly what they want, but they get a solution to their problem. If 10 clients make reasonable requests, 7 or 8 of them will get a solution to their problem. If a lobbyist claims they can win 100% of the time, there is a pretty good chance they are doing something unethical to make that happen.
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Border Patrol Agent
When you catch an illegal alien crossing the border, is he deported immediately?
Small Website Owner
What made you go the entrepreneur route after college instead of a typical job?
Former IRS Revenue Officer
Are IRS auditors more accommodating when you're polite with them?
No, I did not actually take it. I could tell that the proposal would not get very far and I do not want to waste time pushing an issue that likely won't get far. Also, lobbyists who push those type of issues are not taken seriously by Members of Congress and staff. That's not a good reputaton to have.
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I haven't seen a full episode, but I did see the trailer. Based on my limited knowledge of the series, I'd say it's an exaggeration of how things work in Washington. Yes, there is quite a bit of backstabbing and backroom deals on Capitol Hill, but probably not enough to make for good television. I'm actually working on a documentary and a lobbying reality show to try and explain what really happens on Capitol Hill
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As long as you remember that politicians on every level are only in their own political self-interest, it isn't bad. The best way to lobby is to appeal to their self interest.
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