Washington – The three positions with the most sway over Congress, it can be argued, are majority leader of the Senate, speaker of the House and maitre d’ of The Palm restaurant.
Almost as much political business gets done over double-cut lamb chops at the elite watering hole and similar establishments as under the Capitol dome. It’s no wonder, then, that talk of making it illegal for lobbyists to pick up a lawmaker’s tab has the local restaurant community all whipped up.
So, in classic Washington style, restaurateurs have dispatched their lobbyists to lobby against efforts to control lobbying.
When asked if the proposed meal ban would affect her business, Christianne Ricchi, chef and owner of I Ricchi, said: “Absolutely, yes. It’s hard to put a number on it. … But when Congress is out of town, business goes down, and Washington turns into this sleepy little town. It’s very evident.”
The provision is part of the Senate’s response to embarrassing scandals involving GOP lobbyist Jack Abramoff, who pleaded guilty this year to conspiring to bribe lawmakers, and former Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham, R-Calif., who was recently sent to prison for accepting $2.4 million in bribes from defense contractors.
Critics say the ban would punish restaurateurs more than lobbyists, who could continue to schmooze at lush golf courses, lavish fundraisers and fancy convention parties.
Under current law, lawmakers and their employees can let lobbyists treat them to meals worth less than $50, with a yearly ceiling of $100 paid for by the same individual or company.
