McCotter Still Unable to Kick the Lobbyist Addiction
McCotter Still Unable to Kick the Lobbyist Addiction
McCotter Still Unable to Kick His Lobbyist Addiction
Dearborn Heights, MI—Rep. Thad McCotter voted last week for the sham GOP “lobbying reform” bill that fails to restrict the travel and gifts from lobbyists to Members of Congress that is at the heart of many current scandals on Capitol Hill and would provide little in the way of accountability and transparency. Yet McCotter, like too many others, will take credit for cleaning up the mess in Washington. “It is like the fox cleaning up the hen house after a good meal, isn’t it?” asked McCotter’s Democratic challenger Tony Trupiano.
The measure provides no new restrictions on lavish gifts, any ban on free trips from lobbyists, any increased transparency requirements on lobbyists, any enforcement of existing rules, and any halt to the special interest pork barrel projects. Only this Congress would ignore the corrupting lessons of Jack Abramoff, the disgraced super lobbyist; Representative Tom DeLay, the fallen majority leader; and Duke Cunningham, the imprisoned former congressman.
“Lobbying reform is yet another test of leadership that Rep. McCotter has failed,” Tony Trupiano said. “I am not sure what is worse -- that McCotter ignores the problems or ignores the solutions. Time after time, he has demonstrated that special interests come before the people’s interests and that he is part of the problem in Washington.”
Trupiano has proposed real lobbying reform. In a letter to McCotter dated January 7, Trupiano proposed the
following reform plan:
Ending a Culture of Corruption
• Lobbyists: Outlaw all “pay to play” rules that currently guide the relationship between the Congress and lobbyists. Expand the definition of lobbying to include providing strategic advice on legislation, Members of Congress, and the legislative process.
• No Fundraising in Washington: Outlaw fundraising by Senators and Representatives within 50 miles of Washington, DC, at any time. Outlaw fundraising by a Senator or Representative anywhere while Congress is in session.
• Independent Ethics Review: Create an independent ethics commission to investigate ethics allegations in the House and Senate. Senators and Representatives should not be left to investigate themselves any longer.
