Rep. Foster Advances Further Steps For Government Reform

Statement

Introduces Legislation to Prohibit Members of Congress from Negotiating for Lobbying Jobs While Still in Office

Today, to increase government accountability and prevent conflicts of interest, Rep. Bill Foster (IL-14) introduced legislation that would prevent Members of Congress from negotiating or accepting lobbying jobs while they are still in office.

"At a time when Congress must continue creating policies that will move our economy forward, lawmakers must be focused on the task at hand," said Foster. "Right now, Members of the House are allowed to negotiate for a lucrative job as a lobbyist while they are still in office -- a move that places their own self interest above the interests of those they represent."

More and more, Americans believe that Congress is accountable only to themselves and to special interests. This belief is reinforced when Members of Congress abandon public service for high-paying lobbying jobs.

Foster's legislation, H. Res. 1386, would prohibit current Members of the House from negotiating for or accepting jobs as lobbyists. Members would still be able to negotiate for and accept other offers of future private employment. This is allowed under current House rules as long as the negotiations are publicly disclosed within three business days. H. Res. 1386 is not retroactive.

"This is not an exercise in finger pointing or an attempt to score political points by criticizing former Members who operated under rules as they stood at the time. Going forward, this legislation will provide clear rules of the road to prevent conflicts of interest that arise when Members of Congress negotiate for lobbying jobs, and will also ensure these lawmakers remain focused on serving their constituents," said Foster.

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