Aim: Why does the government regulate lobbying? Do Now: Read the Washington Post article “Abramoff Pleads Guilty”

Regulating Lobbyists: Lobbyists must register with the govt. and disclose the nature and details of their work in Washington D.C. Influence Peddling: using personal friendships and inside information to gain a political advantage a. Former legislators must wait one year before lobbying Congress directly

According to a 1995 law, a lobbyist is: Someone who spends at least 20 percent of their time lobbying People who are paid at least $5,000 in any six month period to lobby Corporations and other groups that spend more than $20,000 in any six-month period on their own lobbying staffs

New Regulations beginning 2007: No gifts of any value from registered lobbyists or firms that employ lobbyists No reimbursement for travel costs from registered lobbyists or firms that employ lobbyists No reimbursement for travel costs, no matter the source, if the trip is in any part organized or requested by a registered lobbyist or firm that employs lobbyists

Loopholes and fine print: Congress members can accept reimbursement for travel from lobbyists if the travel is for a “one-day trip” so long as the lobbyists do not initiate the trip, make the reservations, or pick up incidental expenses unrelated to the visit