PIRG-Backed Law Exposes Money From Lobbyists

On Aug. 2, a PIRG-backed lobby reform bill that could shed light on the often-hidden activities of lobbyists and their interactions with legislators passed Congress.

Under the new law, lobbyists will need to disclose their fundraising efforts on behalf of candidates. Increasingly, candidates rely on outside fundraisers, often paid lobbyists, called “bundlers,” who quietly raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for candidates.

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

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

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