Bennet, Gardner, Tester Reintroduce Bill to Ban Members of Congress from Becoming Lobbyists

Statement

U.S. Senators Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) today reintroduced legislation to shut the revolving door of lobbyist influence in Washington by banning members of Congress from ever becoming lobbyists.

"Americans should be confident that their elected leaders go to Washington to represent them, not to audition for high-paying lobbying jobs for special interests," said Bennet. "We have been careless with the American people's trust in our democracy, and this reform would go a long way toward restoring it. For the privilege of serving in the United States Congress, members should accept a ban on lobbying."

"I'm proud to work with Senator Bennet to restore faith in government and ensure elected leaders are truly serving the people they represent," said Gardner. "By blocking Members of Congress from ever becoming lobbyists following their time in office, this legislation will bring the transparency and accountability to elected officials that Coloradans expect and deserve."

"Truly draining the swamp means pulling the plug on politicians trying to cash in on their public service," said Tester. "This bill is simple--it bans members of Congress from becoming lobbyists, ensuring we're 100% committed to the folks we represent, not special interests."

The Center for Responsive Politics has found that, of all former members of the 115th Congress now working, 50 percent are employed by lobbying firms.

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