How can we eliminate lobbying?

Answer 1

Ban free speech would be the fastest way.

There would be a handful of sentences that would be allowed and all other verbal and written communication would be forbidden.

Then, we could all focus on communicating via our natural, god-given clairvoyant powers that currently go so horribly unused.

Answer 2

"For too long, lobbyists and special interests have had too much power in Washington, and much of that power is hidden from public view," Feingold said. "Recent campaign finance reforms are helping, but with reports of members of Congress taking corporate jets with lobbyists on board to fly to fundraisers and going on lobbyist-funded golf junkets, it is clear that more work needs to be done. Our laws should reflect the will of the American people, not the desires of the highest bidder.

Feingold has been successful in the past in getting campaign finance reform, the 1995 congressional gift ban, and other reforms through Congress, and the legislation he introduces today is part of that continued reform effort.

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FACT SHEET: The Lobbying and Ethics Reform Act

Senator Russ Feingold

Improving Lobbying Disclosure --

· Requires lobbying disclosure reports to be filed quarterly rather than semi-annually.

· Requires disclosure in the quarterly lobbying reports of oral communications (phone calls or in person meetings) with Members of Congress. The dates of such contacts must be disclosed, not their substance, although each contact must be listed under the issue or bill to which the contact relates.

· Requires disclosure of grassroots lobbying expenditures.

· Requires disclosure of members of lobbying coalitions.

· Improves public accessibility of lobbying disclosure by requiring electronic filing and internet searchable databases.

Curbing Excesses in Privately Funded Travel and Lobbyist Gifts --

· Requires a private entity paying for a trip to certify that the trip was not planned, organized, or financed by a lobbyist and the entity must also certify that no registered lobbyist will attend or participate in the trip.

· Prohibits lobbyists from giving gifts to Members or staff. Includes exceptions for family members and personal friends, campaign contributions, information materials, etc. Provides for a civil penalty (fine of up to $50,000) for breaking this law.

· Requires Members and campaigns to reimburse for the use of corporate jets at the charter rate rather than at first class airfare as is now required. It will also require disclosure of itinerary, purpose, and the identity of others who were on the plane for any such trips.

Slowing the Revolving Door --

· Increases cooling off period for executive and legislative branch employees from one to two years. Former Members and very senior executive branch officials (cabinet members, heads of agencies) will be prohibited from engaging in lobbying activities as well as lobbying contacts for that period. This will prevent a former Member from supervising or designing a lobbying campaign while avoiding any direct contact with Members or staff.

· Former congressional staff will be restricted from making lobbying contacts to the entire House of Congress they worked for, rather than just the employing office as under current law.

· Requires lobbyists to disclose on their lobbying registrations any previous employment with the executive or legislative branch, rather than only such employment within two years prior to acting as a lobbyist.

· Requires Members and senior staff to publicly disclose possible conflicts of interest if they are engaged in discussions of future employment.

· Provides that any benefit available equally and only to all former members of the Senate shall not be available to former Senators who are registered lobbyists (e.g., floor privileges, gym membership).

Answer 3

we can't, until both parties pass effective campaign and anti-lobbying reformation...

vote Independent!