Lobbyists: The Fourth Branch of Government?
Jan. 18, 2006 — -- Texas Congressman Tom DeLay has traveled to the South Pacific -- but not necessarily on his dime. A 1990 excursion was arranged by embattled lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
In 1990, members of the House Ways and Means Committee enjoyed an official government trip to Barbados, sharing a little fun in the sun with lobbyists.
"Lobbying is like the fourth branch of government. It's a very powerful part of our government and our democracy," said Roberta Baskin, executive director of the Center for Policy Integrity.
But in the wake of the Abramoff scandal, members on both sides of the aisle agree it's time for the fourth branch to have some restrictions.
"I think members can probably function very well in this town without having to go out to lunch with a lobbyist," said Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, R-Ill.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said that business as usual was "not going to hold anymore," and on Tuesday, Republicans unveiled a new ethics plan that would crack down on expensive trips and gifts paid by lobbyists.
Today, the Democrats will counter with a plan of their own, but whether the two parties can arrive at a compromise remains to be seen. However, with public scrutiny on the rise, both Republicans and Democrats feel pressure to make unflattering entanglements a thing of the past.
Related Stories
ABC News Live