Lobbying and the Super Committee

Thanksgiving, 2011: That’s how long the newly formed Congressional super committee has to cut $1.2 trillion from the federal deficit. The task before them is daunting, but not impossible – mostly because of the vast resources and expertise, available both inside and outside the federal government, to help super committee members understand the impact of their decisions. The media are already carrying stories connecting super committee members with former staff on K Street, implying that huge decisions create conditions that are ripe for influence peddling.

Indeed, some of the most current and accurate information that Congress will depend upon will undoubtedly come from registered lobbyists and other government relations professionals. Interest groups representing the education community, the medical industry, first responders, labor unions, small businesses or large corporations among others will be called upon to provide critical information about how program cuts will affect them. It will be up to the super committee to decide how to use this information as the basis for moving forward.

In the heat of a campaign season, it’s easy to portray the lobbying community as the black hat. While it’s important to be alert to the role of influence, this is also a good time to be reminded that effective governing is a far cry from sensational campaigning. Every day members of Congress and their staff spend countless hours sorting through a multitude of complex issues. Effective policy makers know how to tap vital resources to ensure that the consequences of their decisions have a positive impact on our nation. It’s not an easy task, and they certainly can’t do it alone. They need to hear from people who are affected directly by those decisions.

That’s where professional representation comes into play. Professional advocates, with a keen understanding of how government works, expertise about the issues on the table, and a record of integrity that creates trust in relationships, provide an essential service. They represent people's interests through education, sound data, and the mobilization of stakeholders so that policy makers can make informed decisions.

We need to foster an environment that encourages competing voices to speak out on issues before all branches of our government, either directly through grassroots or indirectly through professional advocates. As public affairs and government relations professionals who advocate under clearly defined rights envisioned by, expected by, and protected by the First Amendment, we are committed to helping make our government transparent, accountable and accessible.

Over the next few months, millions of Americans will voice their concerns to Congress about the decisions facing the super committee. Some of those Americans will speak with Congress directly. Others will rely on government relations professionals to make their case. There will be competing approaches and eventual compromise. That is the nature of a vibrant, representational democracy. We’re hopeful that the super committee is able to achieve its goal through the wise selection and application of all the trusted resources available to its members.

Linda Dooley

President

Bryce Harlow Foundation
An organization that seeks to enhance the quality of professional advocacy and increase the understanding of its essential role in the development of sound public policy.