ROOTSTRIKERS 08/30/2015 LIBERAL SENATOR'S BILL IS A SURPRISE!

Hi,

This is big: Senators Al Franken and Michael Bennet introduced a bill this month to BAN the corrupting practice of former members of Congress becoming big money lobbyists.

A rapidly rising number of ex-members of Congress are cashing in by becoming well-paid lobbyists – 45% of those who left the 2014 Congress and took another job, according to a recent study by the Center for Responsive Politics.

Public service should be for the public good – not an audition for a lavish lifestyle as a corporate lobbyist. Click here to tell Congress to pass the Close the Revolving Door Act immediately.

Members of Congress can get more than a 10 times pay raise as lobbyists. With their insider connections, they’re a key part of the armies of lobbyists corporations use to rig the game in their favor.

A Senator or Representative thinking about starting a well-paid lobbying career after retirement isn’t likely to take tough votes benefiting the public but opposed by special interests that might hire them later.

Tell Congress to pass Sen. Franken’s bill to stop members of Congress getting rich off their “public service” careers by becoming lobbyists.

The Close the Revolving Door Act has even more good features than banning members of Congress becoming lobbyists. It also:

• Increases penalties for breaking the Lobbying Disclosure Act
• Extends the ban on congressional staff becoming lobbyists, from only one year to six
• Gives the public better online access to information about who lobbies Congress

It’s not complicated: Serving in Congress shouldn’t be a tryout for a career as a lobbyist.

Sign here if you agree:

act.demandprogress.org/sign/congress-lobbying-ban/

Thanks,

Kurt Walters
Campaign Manager
Rootstrikers