Boehner Faults Democrats' Lobbying Bill for Leaving Government Lobbyist Loophole Intact

Via email:

Congressman John Boehner (R-West Chester) today expressed disappointment that the lobbying reform legislation unveiled this week by House Democrats leaves open a gaping loophole that exempts government lobbyists from congressional gift rules as they lobby Congress for taxpayer-funded earmarks and other causes. The loophole allows lobbyists working for state and local government entities to provide gifts to legislators and congressional employees that would be banned if they came from other lobbyists.

Boehner raised the government lobbyist loophole issue in a March 29 letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) expressing concerns about problems with the current House rules, but to date, the Speaker has not responded.

“Why should government lobbyists get special treatment from Congress as they lobby for taxpayer-funded earmarks and other causes?” Boehner asked.

Public universities and state and local government agencies spend millions of dollars every year to lobby Congress for taxpayer-funded earmarks, Boehner noted.

“This loophole gives special treatment to lobbyists employed by state and local government entities, including public colleges and universities,” Boehner said. “I think we have to ask why this loophole has been left intact by the majority, both in this bill and in the rules that were forced through the House on the opening day of this session. If Congress is serious about reforming the earmark process, this loophole must be addressed.”

In January 2006, Boehner called for congressional action to close the government lobbyist loophole. Boehner is an original co-sponsor of House Resolution 249, legislation introduced by Rep. Jeff Flake (R-AZ) on March 15, 2007 that would amend House rules to close the government lobbyist loophole by limiting gifts to Members, officers, and employees of the House from State and local governments.