More than 130 top congressional staffers are former lobbyists

New research by the Center for Responsive Politics and Remapping Debate found at least 130 current congressional chiefs of staff and legislative directors were previously lobbyists.

While a majority of the staff members lobbied for corporations, a wide range of entities were represented, including the National Right to Work Committee to the American Federation State.

“The bottom line is that many of the most powerful congressional staffers, who are now responsible for working on behalf of the public’s interest, used to make a living convincing the government to benefit a client’s special interest,” said Sheila Krumholz, the Center’s executive director. “Such relationships could present conflicts of interest and deserve continued scrutiny.”

Tracking tools deployed this January are available both from Remapping Debate and the Center for Responsive Politics. Since then, the Center and Remapping the Debate the organizations have regularly bolstered the tracking tool.

Help the Center and Remapping Debate continue to expand the tracking tool by adding your own insight to the comings and goings of former members of Congress.