[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 103 (Thursday, June 22, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H6210]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


             HOW REPUBLICANS MAKE LAW: LET LOBBYISTS DO IT

  (Mr. SKAGGS asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. SKAGGS. Mr. Speaker, the Republicans promised some sweeping 
changes in how Congress works. In one way, they have certainly 
delivered.
  The Democratic Study Group is today releasing a special report that 
describes just how this Republican Congress has turned over the reins 
of congressional power to special interest lobbyists.
  Lobbyists have been brought in from the corridors of the Capitol and 
given a seat of power, where they are performing the functions that are 
the legal and moral responsibility of Members and staff. These paid 
agents of private interests are dictating the wording of legislation, 
conducting official staff briefings advising committee counsel during 
bill markups, drafting official committee reports, and even sitting on 
the dais during hearings.
  Mr. Speaker, it is one thing for lobbyists to give advice and suggest 
bill language. It is quite another for these agents of private 
interests, interests with a financial stake in the outcome, to perform 
the core responsibilities of congressional staff and Members.
  Mr. Speaker, this is the business of legislating. It is the public's 
business. It is to be conducted only by those who are accountable to 
the public.

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