Currently there is no financial cap to what any certain type of entity can lobby for in Congress. Businesses like Casey’s, Walmart, 7-Eleven, Target, Amazon, McDonald’s; all multi-million dollar, multi-national companies that could out lobby a majority of communities, and almost every individual in the auction that is Congress.
Some would say there are certain advantages in funding and accumulating support for a bill through lobbying. In order to keep the benefits on financial incentive for legislation, but to remove the aspects that create unequal influence in Congress, we must establish a cap on the amount any entity can pay into a bill.
- First, a redefinition of said entities must take place.
the words “person” and “whoever” include corporations, companies, associations, firms, partnerships, societies, and joint stock companies, as well as individuals;
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Second, an affordable, but influential dollar amount must be set as a cap for individuals, corporations, companies, associations, firms, partnerships, societies, and joint stock companies; in order to create equal economic influence. Ensuing that multi-million dollar, multi-national entities have the same influence as individuals.
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Third, a system of transparency, and clear ‘donation’ paths must be established for the public. The influence behind any such bill should be publicized.
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Fourth, all funds lobbied should have a priority purpose; either funding such proposition or going directly into the treasury/budget.
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Fifth, a ban must be established on all foreign lobbying.
There are many posted proposals on the topic of lobbying, but not one with a clear image of across-the-board representation and influence through lobbying, or the absence thereof.