The Benefits of a Lobbyist

The Benefits of a Lobbyist

Lobbying is a regulated industry, and being very knowledgeable about the legislative process is the responsibility of a Lobbyist as well as knowing who the decision makers are relative to congressional staff and Members of Congress (United States Senate, 1989). The responsibility of a Lobbyist is partly in the preparation and presentation of information, to arrange the testimony hearings in Congress, also to arrange and attend face-to-face meetings with staff and members of Congress. The goal of the lobbying effort is to create a positive impact on the decision makers so as to affect the processes occurring in Washington, D.C.. Lobbyists are available to assist staff members by assisting with complicated issues and knowing how to break an issue down into easier and smaller parts (United States Senate, 1989). Lobbyists perform a service that is valuable not only to the clients they represent but also to the staff and Members of Congress.

According to Meyers and Associates website (2010) President Senator John F. Kennedy, 1956 stated

"Lobbyists are in many cases expert technicians capable of examining complex and difficult subjects in clear, understandable fashion. They engage in personal discussion with members of Congress in which they explain in detail the reasons for the positions they advocate... Because our congressional representation is based upon geographical boundaries, the lobbyists who speak for the various economic, commercial and other functional interests of the country serve a useful purpose and have assumed an important role in the legislative process."

Reputation and credibility are what the success of the lobbyist is based upon. When the individual has a reputation of giving bad advice or information that is not correct, Congress quickly makes notations on this mistake, and the mistake will be remembered. The necessary funds for programs and services that the lobbyist is trying to obtain are done so by making themselves well-known to those who make a difference in the decision making process. As well as to provide adequate and informative information to Congress members, these individuals work to help in deciding where to invest the next dollar and how it will help the members and individuals they serve. A lobbyist that works toward gaining awareness for their clients who will benefit a program or bill