Congressman Calls Out Money, Lobbyist-Ruled Leadership

In an April 13 speech, Republican Congressman Ken Buck criticized the role of money and lobbying among Republican officials.

The speech came shortly after the April 11 release of his book, “Drain the Swamp,” a feature-length account by Buck that elaborates on a variety of influences on lawmakers, including money.

The novel states that “Money rules in Washington,” and among other obstacles to breach, lawmakers and officials must make significant financial contributions to further their careers, according to Roll Call.

“Members are required to pay for committee assignments,” wrote Buck in his book.

“Lobbyists, corporations, and wealthy individuals who need something from Congress raise the money.”

Buck currently serves as a member of the exclusive House Freedom Caucus, a Congressional organization that, by some accounts, was instrumental in blocking the GOP-sponsored Obamacare replacement bill.

Buck claims the current system causes a misalignment of the greater good and what a politician wants.

“…members routinely vote for defective legislation in order to please party leaders and get money for their re-election campaigns instead of doing what is right for America.”

Buck explained that monetary expectations increase in kind with the influence of the Congressional organization.

The Congressman claimed that obligations for top-tier committee placements could range up to close to half a million dollars.

“If you told me that I owed $2,000 or $3,000 that would be one thing,” said Buck in his April 13 speech, according to The Denver Post.

“I could go into my campaign and pay that. But $450,000 means that a member has to hold receptions in Washington, D.C. Who comes to those receptions with checks? Lobbyists (and) special interests that want something in return.”

Buck specified that receiving a place on a Congressional committee was also a quid pro quo.

“So there is a game that goes on that you owe the party money and you are expected to vote with the chairman and you are expected to help special-interest groups in Washington, D.C.,” said Buck.

Congressman Buck has stated that the House leadership of Speaker Paul Ryan has shifted some focus away from ulterior motives.

“Paul is much more focused on policy than power,” said Buck in an April 13 interview.

Despite Buck’s criticisms of money-focused politics in GOP leadership, the House Democrats’ campaign arm rivals that of the GOP in party fundraising, according to OpenSecrets.org.

In January of 2015, the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee raised $1.9 million more than the National Republican Congressional Committee during the 2016 election cycle.

Both Committees depend heavily on contributions from wealthy individuals.

Sources: Roll Call, The Denver Post, OpenSecrets.org/Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore/Flickr