It didn't take long for Chris' bold proposal to ban lobbying by former Senators to start making headlines. Huffington Post has a story today that features Chris and an interview with the head of the American League of Lobbyists (the lobby lobby?), which, unsurprisingly, isn't wild about the idea.
"People are mad, and people really question whether Washington is working for them. Americans are willing to sacrifice, but that's just not what they're seeing out of D.C.," Chris told HuffPo. "There's a broad concern lobbyists and special interests have too much control over the outcomes."
The lobbying ban is the centerpiece of a proposal Chris unveiled last week meant to reform the way Washington works. He wants to stop the "revolving door of special interests" in Washington by preventing members of the Senate from lobbying their former colleageus. Chris also supports a five-year ban on lobbying by Senate senior staff.
“When a Senator resigns or is defeated, they should not be rewarded with high paying lobbying contracts that influence how our laws are crafted and passed," Chris said. "A lifetime ban on former Senators and a five year ban on senior staff begins to restore balance to the legislative process.”
Chris also supports a ten percent pay cut on Senators' salaries.
“As Americans have seen their personal wealth diminish, wages cut and jobs lost, it is only right that elected officials shoulder some of the burden," Chris said. "I support an across the board ten percent pay cut of Senators salaries and a six year freeze on any increases or cost of living adjustments. Even at $157,000 a year, Senators will remain highly compensated.”
blog comments powered by Disqus
