The Institute For American Renewal Report on Lobbying Reform

The Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act of 1946 is largely seen as poorly written and ineffective, it's regulatory coverage was inadequate and its provisions weak.

In light of recent scandal and the growing influence of lobbyists we need reform

1. Mandating registration and disclosure of professional lobbyists, their clients and certain financial activity, all records of which are to be made easily available to the public.

2. Closing the revolving door by implementing a "cooling off period" in which all federal employees and congressional employees are barred from lobbying, with an extended period for lobbying former employers.

3. Require full discloser of conflicts of interest, business interests and personal finances by members of congress and public officials

4. Ban lobbyists from fundraising for politicians and ban fundraisers from lobbying

5. Ban contributions to members of Congress from entities under the jurisdiction of their committees.