[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 171 (Wednesday, November 1, 1995)]
[House]
[Page H11592]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TAXPAYER-SUBSIDIZED LOBBYING

  (Mr. COBURN asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. COBURN. Mr. Speaker, if one were to take the time to explain the 
current controversy over taxpayer-subsidized lobbying to the average 
American, I have no doubt that the Istook-McIntosh-Ehrlich language 
would win easy approval.
  Most of my constituents are flabbergasted to learn that taxpayer-
subsidized lobbying occurs at all. They do not believe it is an 
appropriate use of their tax dollars. It is only inside the beltway 
that it is considered normal for groups to receive Federal grants that 
enable those same groups to lobby for more Federal grants. Mr. Speaker, 
this pernicious practice must end.
  A few weeks ago, the House voted to retain the Istook language in an 
appropriations bill. Now, it is doubtful that that bill will ever make 
it to the Senate floor. And Senate conferences on a different vehicle 
have refused to add it to that bill. Mr. Speaker, the instincts of the 
average American are right. No one can plausibly justify the 
continuation of taxpayer-subsidized lobbying as we have come to know 
it.
  Mr. Speaker, let us say no to business as usual and at the same time 
stand up for the taxpayer. Yes to the Istook-McIntosh language on 
Treasury--Postal.

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