Statement of ALL President in Response to
the President's State of the Union Speech
January 26, 2011

The President's State of the Union remarks about lobbyists are especially disconcerting because they were made in a speech that was focused on unifying, and not dividing our nation. The Administration often reaches out to representatives of industries, labor unions, and other "special interests" to get their advice. They are doing that now on the tax code provisions the President will propose to Congress. It is in that light of reality that we deplore his inflammatory rhetoric about lobbyists.

As professional lobbyists, we perform a tremendously important service not only to our employers and clients but also to Members of Congress and Executive Branch officials. Since the American League of Lobbyists was formed more than 30 years ago, we have been committed to a strong and principled Code of Ethics. Those who we represent and the issues we are working on are readily available on the Internet for anyone to view. That is a higher standard than is applied to any member of the Cabinet or any employee of a federal agency.

Lobbyists serve as educators and experts in both public policy issues and the governmental process. When Members of Congress weigh the information provided by professional lobbyists, it is they and not lobbyists who have the votes to decide what is in the best interests of their constituents and the Nation.

The President also made comments about earmarks. The American League of Lobbyists position on earmarks is very clear.

ALL is opposed to any action that limits elected officials from fully representing their constituents. ALL respects the constitutional right for any citizen to redress grievances including what is considered best for their state or district. As a separate branch of government, Congress must maintain its Constitutional responsibility in the federal budget process.

It is of paramount importance that Congress not cede its Constitutional Authority to review, examine and adjust the budget proposals that are submitted by the Executive Branch. The President's budget is riddled with earmarks which are not subject to any of the transparency requirements that apply to congressional earmarks.

Congress must also ensure that the Constitutional rights of private citizens be preserved. It is equally important that Congress define the process and make transparent the rules by which any potential provisions in the Budget are approved, be they changes requested by the agencies themselves, Members, or private citizens. ALL is committed to working with the congressional leadership to bring further improvements and transparency to the earmark process. That is a far more positive and useful position than the President has taken.

Howard Marlowe
President
American League of Lobbyists

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Last updated: September 28, 2011