PIRG-Backed Bill: Exposing Big Money From Lobbyists

This summer, U.S. PIRG, the Federation of State PIRGs, backed a lobby reform bill that could shed light on the often-hidden activities of lobbyists and their interactions with legislators.

Under the bill, which became law in September, lobbyists now need to disclose their fundraising efforts on behalf of candidates. Increasingly, candidates rely on outside fundraisers, often paid lobbyists called “bundlers” who raise up to hundreds of thousands of dollars for candidates.

President Bush’s “Pioneers” and “Rangers” each raised between $100,000 and $200,000. Sen. Hillary Clinton’s “Hillraisers” are each charged with raising $1 million.

“This information will help the public better identify the powerful interests who use fundraising to build access and influence,” said Democracy Advocate Gary Kalman.

We’re cheered by recent progress on ethics, but disappointed that Congress has not yet overhauled ineffective ethics enforcement. U.S. PIRG has been working closely with a special ethics task force and House leadership to fight for changes that will hold accountable members who break the rules.