Holding Politicians Accountable

Posts tagged Congress

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Ugh: “The all-consuming quest for dollars is part of Washington’s permanent, intensely waged campaign for party dominance. It cuts deeply into the typical day of lawmakers, robbing them of time they could spend building relationships with colleagues, dealing with constituent problems, and delving into policy issues. It is a major contributor to party gridlock, and keeps lawmakers dependent on the good graces of lobbyists and other special interests seeking favor on Capitol Hill.” (Boston Globe)

Ugh:

“The all-consuming quest for dollars is part of Washington’s permanent, intensely waged campaign for party dominance. It cuts deeply into the typical day of lawmakers, robbing them of time they could spend building relationships with colleagues, dealing with constituent problems, and delving into policy issues. It is a major contributor to party gridlock, and keeps lawmakers dependent on the good graces of lobbyists and other special interests seeking favor on Capitol Hill.”

(Boston Globe)

Filed under Congress fundraising campaign finance

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Roll Call: Lobbyists are going to make BANK in 2013

“When the congressional agenda includes cuts to entitlements and defense programs, a fight over the debt ceiling and potential tax changes that could affect virtually every sector of the economy, you can bet on one thing: Lobbyists will be very busy this year.

“K Street executives do not predict dramatic growth in their industry for 2013, but they do expect a steady uptick in revenue with clients deeply vested in what comes out of Washington, D.C.”

Filed under lobbyists Congress K Street

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ProPublica on a drywall safety bill that “was gradually watered down by building industry lobbyists and their allies:” “Last week, federal lawmakers trumpeted the passage of the Drywall Safety Act of 2012 as a bipartisan victory for thousands of homeowners harmed by contaminated drywall. …. “But the bill doesn’t actually set preventative standards. Instead, it asks an industry association committee comprised mostly of drywall manufacturers and builders to develop voluntary limits on sulfur content in drywall for the government to enforce.”

ProPublica on a drywall safety bill that “was gradually watered down by building industry lobbyists and their allies:”

“Last week, federal lawmakers trumpeted the passage of the Drywall Safety Act of 2012 as a bipartisan victory for thousands of homeowners harmed by contaminated drywall.

….

“But the bill doesn’t actually set preventative standards. Instead, it asks an industry association committee comprised mostly of drywall manufacturers and builders to develop voluntary limits on sulfur content in drywall for the government to enforce.”

Filed under lobbyists drywall congress

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Huffington Post reports on the fundraising expectations of new Democratic members, including their “call time” when they are dialing for dollars:  The daily schedule prescribed by the Democratic leadership contemplates a nine or 10-hour day while in Washington. Of that, four hours is to be spent in “call time” and another hour is blocked off for “strategic outreach,” which includes fundraisers and press work. An hour is walled off to “recharge,” and three to four hours are designated for the actual work of being a member of Congress — hearings, votes, and meetings with constituents. If the constituents are donors, all the better. The presentation assured members that their fundraising would be closely monitored; the Federal Elections Commission requires members to file quarterly reports.

Huffington Post reports on the fundraising expectations of new Democratic members, including their “call time” when they are dialing for dollars:

 The daily schedule prescribed by the Democratic leadership contemplates a nine or 10-hour day while in Washington. Of that, four hours is to be spent in “call time” and another hour is blocked off for “strategic outreach,” which includes fundraisers and press work. An hour is walled off to “recharge,” and three to four hours are designated for the actual work of being a member of Congress — hearings, votes, and meetings with constituents. If the constituents are donors, all the better. The presentation assured members that their fundraising would be closely monitored; the Federal Elections Commission requires members to file quarterly reports.

Filed under fundraising Congress Democrats

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“The way lobbyists woo the incoming freshman class of lawmakers is a lot like dating. They’re seeking out people with common interests. They’re hoping to cultivate a long-term relationship. And they’re looking for that know-it-when-you-see-it spark. “And this week — with members-elect in town for orientation — offers plenty of opportunities for flirting. Receptions, meet-and-greets and even fundraisers are being squeezed between official business.” (Roll Call)

“The way lobbyists woo the incoming freshman class of lawmakers is a lot like dating. They’re seeking out people with common interests. They’re hoping to cultivate a long-term relationship. And they’re looking for that know-it-when-you-see-it spark.

“And this week — with members-elect in town for orientation — offers plenty of opportunities for flirting. Receptions, meet-and-greets and even fundraisers are being squeezed between official business.”

(Roll Call)

Filed under lobbyists influence Congress K Street

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Politico: The Top 5 Scandal Races

“In a Congress that’s had no shortage of scandals — think Anthony Weiner and David Wu — it’s not surprising that a fresh handful of House candidates have serious ethics and legal troubles. But they’re also all engaged in very close races that could determine the size and makeup of the House majority.”

Filed under scandals Congress