How federal lobbying in D.C. actually works

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There were than 11,000 registered federal lobbyists last year.

There were than 11,000 registered federal lobbyists last year.

By Cesar Conda

Every few years, news of misdeeds by those who work in and around the lobbying industry makes national headlines. Like with many professions, the actions and mistakes of a few bad actors can cloud public perception of the field in general. However, the government affairs professionals in Washington and around the country are a vital part of our public policymaking ecosystem.

According to the Center for Responsive Politics, there were over 11,000 registered federal lobbyists active in Washington last year. These lobbyists advocate on behalf of every industry and interest imaginable, from tech to healthcare to agriculture and beyond. They work on behalf of businesses large and small, trade groups, coalitions, non-profits, political candidates and other civic-minded individuals, and any other entity with a desire to educate lawmakers on important issues.

To be clear, unfair practices and illegal foreign activity (there were only 102 new primary foreign registrations in 2017, according to the Department of Justice) should be taken seriously and addressed accordingly. Because these actions naturally cause concern and erode public trust, it is important to understand how lobbying works and fits in to a healthy system of government.

Lobbying as a practice goes back to the early days of the United States and has Constitutional origins as part of the First Amendment’s right to petition “the Government for a redress of grievances.” At its core, lobbying allows American citizens and organizations the chance to engage in public campaigns and raise specific issues as a method of participating in democracy.

Paul Manafort and Richard Gates were indicted in connection with the investigation on Russia’s alleged interference in the 2016 elections. The indictment says they were unregistered lobbyists for a foreign government.

Paul Manafort and Richard Gates were indicted in connection with the investigation on Russia’s alleged interference in the 2016 elections. The indictment says they were unregistered lobbyists for a foreign government.

Lobbying has evolved over time and now counts all manner of businesses, unions, individuals, and other organizations among its participants. For example, non-profit groups lobby on behalf of underserved communities and others without the means to engage policymakers on their own. Non-profits use lobbying tactics to focus the efforts of their members and constituents in an organized way to push for shared goals. Skilled lobbyists give these kinds of charitable organizations a seat at the table in D.C. alongside titans of industry and other major players.

To ensure a level playing field and uphold democratic standards, the lobbying industry is governed by strict rules of disclosure and reporting requirements. Active lobbyists must register with the federal government and observe ethics guidelines maintained by Congress, the Administration, and other officials. Many of those in the lobbying industry began their careers in local, state, and federal government. They count among their ranks civil servants who now serve various interests and seek to affect change from the outside looking in.

My firm, Navigators Global, is a multi-client lobbying firm representing a wide variety of interests, from Fortune 500 companies such as AT&T and Oracle to issue-based organizations such as Act for NIH —which advocates for cancer cures through biomedical research funding — and educational groups seeking an immigration policy solution for the so-called “Dreamers.”

My colleagues and I have served in every level of government, from state campaigns to the White House. The services provided by Navigators — organizing issue campaigns, grassroots mobilization, voter engagement, political activities, strategic communications, and government relations — capture the variety of public policy engagement efforts that exist beyond the closed-door meetings on Capitol Hill.

Even with access to the valuable resources provided to them by taxpayers, bright staff members, and the feedback of their constituents, it can sometimes be difficult for U.S. lawmakers to adequately address the policy needs of those they represent. Lobbying can help fill those gaps and ensure that certain issues are thoroughly considered and acknowledged by policymakers. While “lobbying” and “lobbyists” may carry a negative perception among the public, it is important to remember that lobbying helps ensure the Constitutional “right to petition” is upheld on behalf of all Americans.

Cesar Conda, a former Chief of Staff to Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fl) and Chief Domestic Policy Advisor to Vice President Dick Cheney, is a Founding Principal of Navigators Global LLC, a Washington DC-based government relations firm representing Fortune 500 companies. Tim Hagood of Navigators Global contributed to this article.

(C) The FilAm 2018

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