Ex-Congressmen Cash in on K Street

Congress’ 2007 ethics law may have tried to prevent members from cashing in as lobbyists as soon as they leave office. But it’s not having much effect, The Hill reports.

That’s because while ex-congressmen are prohibited from lobbying staff or members of the House or Senate for a set period, there are no limits on lobbying the executive branch. Former legislators also can register as lobbyists in states.

Congressmen who left office last year and are now lobbying include Democrat Walt Minnick, Idaho, and Republican Steve Buyer, Ind., The Hill reports.

Meredith McGehee, policy director of the Campaign Legal Center, said she isn’t “the least bit surprised” that ex-lawmakers are hastily hitting K Street. “Signing up to lobby is a lucrative means of staying in the game,” she said.