lobbying

Lawmakers becoming lobbyists is corrosive. Lawmakers becoming foreign agents is corrupt. Many foreign agents realize how unsavory it is, which is probably why the likes of Paul Manafort, Michael Flynn, and Tony Podesta failed to disclose their work for foreign governments in a timely manner. Perhaps Congress should impose stricter rules on ex-lawmakers becoming foreign agents. In any event, Congress and the Bush administration can take a first step today to stop this unsavory practice: When Lieberman comes calling, tell him to buzz off.

Powerful conservative groups including those backed by the Koch Brothers are pushing Republicans to take a hard line on a raft of expired tax breaks pending in the lame duck, an effort that could jeopardize party leaders’ hopes for a low-drama Congress.

It’s a game: Lawmakers and staff subsidize businesses and then “retire” to work for them.