Lobbyists are increasingly engaging in the practice of joining congressional staffs on a temporary basis, only to return quickly to their lobbying firms with an inflated ability to influence officeholders.  It is a nefarious development.  It is imperative that congressional offices be free of this kind of influence peddling so that constituents remain the central focus.

• I supported a law requiring Congressmen and Senators to wait several years before becoming lobbyists
• I advocated lobbyists waiting at least a year before becoming congressional staffers