"It is a rampant problem here on Capitol Hill." "The 'revolving door' is one of the most pernicious influence-peddling tools available to wealthy special interests and corporations, especially," said Craig Holman, a government ethics lobbyist at the liberal watchdog group Public Citizen. They call it the "revolving door," referring to the continuous movement of high-level officials from public-sector jobs to private-sector jobs and vice versa. The ethics experts said that "loophole" is a symptom of weak regulations governing when the country’s most pivotal and influential officials can lobby in Washington. He is, however, permitted to engage the Executive Branch. Lobbying regulations mean the former congressman is legally barred from lobbying Congress for a one-year "cooling-off" period. Vela, 59, and two other lobbyists can advocate for bills relating to the environment, energy, maritime and fishing and economic development and will focus on the port’s transportation and infrastructure initiatives, according to lobbyist registration paperwork filed last month by the firm.Įthics experts who spoke with the Caller-Times said Vela's shift from holding elected office to lobbying was not illegal unless he lobbied the House or Senate members. The Brownsville Democrat represented the 34th Congressional District of Texas for nine years before resigning in March, opting not to finish his fourth term and to take a job at Akin Gump, a prominent lobbying firm in Washington. Rep. Filemon Vela, who gave up his congressional seat earlier this year, to push the port's legislative agenda on Capitol Hill. The Port of Corpus Christi Authority hired a lobbying firm that employs former U.S. Bush. Bush will continue serving as Texas Land Commissioner until early next year. Editor's note: This article was edited after publication to clarify the current position of George P.
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