Bill Overview
Title: Closing the Congressional Revolving Door Act
Description: This bill places limits on certain activities of Members and elected officers of Congress. The bill imposes a permanent ban on lobbying contacts by a former Senator (currently, a two-year ban), a former Member of the House of Representatives (currently, a one-year ban), or a former elected officer of the House or Senate (currently, a one-year ban). Additionally, certain benefits and services are eliminated for former Members of the House (e.g., access to the House chamber, the Member's Dining Room, or parking spaces) unless the benefits or services are made available to the public.
Sponsors: Rep. Craig, Angie [D-MN-2]
Target Audience
Population: Former Members of the US Congress and elected officers
Estimated Size: 1500
- The bill directly affects former Members of Congress and elected officers, specifically targeting their post-office activities and privileges.
- The ban on lobbying contacts will impact those former Members who would engage in such activities after leaving office.
- The removal of certain benefits and services affects former Members who utilize these privileges and not the general public.
- Overall lifestyle and professional opportunities for former Members are influenced by the restrictions imposed by this bill.
Reasoning
- The target population is very specific and limited in size to former Members of Congress and elected officers, estimated at around 1500 individuals.
- The budget limits translate into funds available for analysis and policy implementation impacts, suggesting a concentrated effect on the small targeted group.
- By choosing a variety of individuals both within the direct impact group and from the general public, including ones with no impact, the diverse responses will provide a comprehensive look at possible indirect effects.
Simulated Interviews
Former Senator (Texas)
Age: 75 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I believe the policy is fair; lobbying immediately after leaving Congress always felt wrong.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
Former House of Representatives Member (California)
Age: 65 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This will significantly limit my career opportunities post-Congress.
- Networking is crucial; without access, effectiveness diminishes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 3 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 3 | 6 |
Former House Speaker (Florida)
Age: 68 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 9
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I have less need to lobby personally, but it could impact networking for peers.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 9 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 9 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 7 |
Former Senate Majority Leader (New York)
Age: 72 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The act cuts off lobbyist opportunities; however, I think adapting to this is part of our professional commitment.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 6 |
University Professor (Michigan)
Age: 54 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy makes sense to curb long-held criticisms of power abuses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 8 |
Former House of Representatives Policy Advisor (Virginia)
Age: 63 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 1/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Some impact expected on restricted contacts, but I see it as enhancing integrity in politics.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Former Member of Congress (Illinois)
Age: 58 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy might deter individuals from seeking roles in philanthropy if they were relying on previous Congress privileges.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 6 |
Lobbyist (Washington D.C.)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could level the playing field between us and former Members pushing lobbying work.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Public Relations Consultant (Massachusetts)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- No direct impact expected, though potentially reduced influence of former Members might help align client objectives.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Retired (Ohio)
Age: 80 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see no issue with the policy; I focused more on local community matters post-retirement.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 2: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 3: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 5: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 10: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 100: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Key Considerations
- The bill's success depends on effective enforcement mechanisms to uphold bans and eliminate privileges effectively.
- Consideration of any legal challenges that might arise due to restrictions placed on former Members' activities.
- These measures align with public interest goals of reducing undue influence in politics.