How have lawmakers attempted to reform lobbying and have those attempts been successful? Why or why not?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Given the close nature of the relationship between lobbyists and lawmakers there have been many attempts at lobbying reform. A core problem with reform attempts is the fact that lawmakers are direct beneficiaries of lobbying activity and are, therefore, not terribly enthusiastic about limiting opportunities for money and support. In 1995 when Congress passed the Lobbying Disclosure Act, it was the first such attempt in more than fifty years. This act required lobbyists to report how much they are paid, by whom, and what issues they are promoting. That same year separate resolutions from the House and the Senate addressed the issues of gifts and travel provided to senators and representatives by lobbyists. This was followed in 2007 by the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act, which sought to tighten travel and gift restrictions. Especially good responses should list the specific tenets of this plan. The 2007 Honest Leadership Act in combination with limitations on lobbyists’ access to the White House under President Obama led to a significant drop in lobbying. Nonetheless, members of Congress and lobbyists sought and found ways to circumvent such attempts.