A New Bill to Punish Violators of the Lobbying and Disclosure Act of 1995

Have you ever wondered what happens to politicians or legislators who have lost during the elections? Do you have a hint of what other possible options can they undertake so they can still have a flourishing political career? Well actually, politicians who lost during the elected may opt to become a lobbyist. A lobbyist is a political activist who is paid by various groups to influence legislators regarding bills or laws that are being supported by that particular group. Their job is primarily is to convince legislators to support or to ignore certain laws depending on the requirement of the interest group.

On the year 1995, the federal government passed the Lobbying and Disclosure Act of 1995 in order to promote accountability and to regulate the influence of Lobbyists on the government of the United States of America. The law has mandated all performing lobbyists to register and disclose all their lobbying actions to the House of Representatives and to the Senate as well. Any forms of non-compliance shall automatically result in fines amounting to over $50,000.

Just recently, the House of Representatives passed on a house bill which will thoroughly investigate and rightfully punish all the violators of the Lobbying Act. It has been observed that a lot of lobbyists are doing prohibited acts with regards to lobbying and are getting away with it. Data from the Senate Secretary has revealed that there are about 8,729 possible violations with regards to the Lobbying and act and only 3 have been given enforcement actions. It is quite alarming to compare the very high number of violations over the much lesser number of prosecutions made.

Mary Jo Kilroy, the one responsible for the new bill, indicated that the Attorney General will be creating a task force that will taking over and implementing the investigations that are targeted to illegal lobbying practices. It will also impose fines for offenders which will start for a little as $500. Sen. Michael Bennet of Denver Colorado introduced another bill which aims to ban former members of Congress from entering the Lobbyist career. The tough dilemma faced by the bill is with regards to defining who should be considered a lobbyist.

The House and the Senate is still having difficulties distinguishing between a lobbyist and a legitimate influential person. It also revolves around the issue of bribery. There in fact exists widespread bribery especially when any particular law or act is being decided. The good side of the law is that it promotes better transparency and accountability. It ensures that our legislators aren’t only thinking of a particular interest group but instead for the whole nation.