Promising to “drain the swamp in Washington, D.C.,” Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has released a new lobbying reform package that would create a drought of opportunities for politicians leaving office.
In broad strokes, Trump’s proposal would require former lawmakers to wait five years before becoming lobbyists. It would also close loopholes that allow former government officials to work as lobbyists under the guise of consultants and advisors.
If it became law, the reform package would hamstring politicians hoping to exit public office and enter the lobbying field. Most notably, it would cut short the blossoming lobbying career of former House Speaker John Boehner, R-Ohio.
Less than a year after being ousted as speaker, Boehner landed a job in September at Squire Patton Boggs,the third largest lobbying firm in the U.S. Before that, he joined the directorial board of Reynolds America, the second largest tobacco manufacturing company in the U.S.
Boehner’s moves mimic those of his former lieutenant, Rep. Eric Cantor. Three months after losing his 2014 primary to a Tea Party challenger, the Virginia majority leader joined the Wall Street firm Moelis and Co.
Neither have registered as lobbyists. Cantor insists he’s pursuing a career in investment banking, according to Politico, and Boehner claims he’s offering strategic advice to clients.
Current law imposes a mandatory “cooling off” period for lawmakers: Former members of the House of Representatives must wait a year before lobbying; senators, two years. But there’s a loophole.
Former lawmakers who spend less than 20 percent of their time lobbying can change their job title to “advisor or consultant” and shirk regulation. Trump’s reform aims to close the loophole.
Introduced on the eve of the final debate before Election Day, Trump’s lobbying proposal is likely part of his campaign’s effort to clean up the Republican candidate’s image and tap into populist outrage against insiders in Washington.
Because the proposal requires members of Congress to act against their own interest, it’s unclear if it could become law. But it does address an ongoing and emerging problem.
It’s not uncommon for members of Congress leaving Capitol Hill to skip returning to their home districts and instead head straight to K Street.
The vast majority of the top lawmakers from both chambers become lobbyists after leaving public office. As the Washington Examiner‘s Timothy Carney points out, every House Speaker since 1980 and every Senate Majority leader has left Capitol Hill to cash in on K Street.
Philip Wegmann is a commentary writer for the Washington Examiner.
