For Brendan Loveng, 9, it was just a birthday party. For his dad, Jeff, a congressional aide, it was the entree into Washington’s thorny new ethics rules.
Brendan was treated to free laser-tag games, pizza and birthday cake at the party for a lobbyist’s son. On the advice of officials in Congress, his father evened the score by throwing an identical birthday party for Brendan two weeks later and inviting the lobbyist’s son.
The rules were adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives six months ago, following a series of ethics scandals in Washington. They ban most gifts from lobbyists to lawmakers and their aides.
“They create constant moments of awkwardness,” said Loveng, 38, chief of staff to Rep. Bill Shuster, a Pennsylvania Republican.
Loveng isn’t the only person on Capitol Hill trying to adjust to the new world: Lobbyists no longer are permitted to pay for sit-down meals for lawmakers and their aides, free travel is taboo, and personal meetings increasingly come under scrutiny.
Lobbyists accustomed to footing the bill for prime steaks are divvying up the charges so congressmen can pay their fair share.
The Senate’s restrictions will go into effect after both chambers of Congress reconcile their versions. Penalties for violations by lawmakers range from a letter of rebuke by the House ethics committee to fines.
The rules aren’t extinguishing the activities of Washington’s influence industry, which has more than 35,800 registered lobbyists. They just don’t get to have as much fun while trying to persuade politicians to their point of view.
“Business is getting done as usual, with less entertainment,” said Kenneth Gross, former Federal Election Commission counsel who is now a partner in the Washington office of Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom.
