1. United States
2. Colo.
3. Letter

Lobbyists have become a powerful and often destructive force in American politics. Rather than serving the interests of the people, lobbyists frequently work to shape policy in favor of the wealthiest corporations and industries, undermining the democratic principles that our nation was founded upon. The influence of lobbyists has a profound and negative effect on legislation, often to the detriment of ordinary citizens. A 2019 report by Public Citizen found that lobbyists spend more than $3.5 billion annually to influence lawmakers. This staggering amount of money dwarfs the influence of average citizens, who are often left with little power to voice their concerns. As a result, policies are more likely to reflect the interests of big corporations rather than the public good. Lobbyists' focus is often on securing tax breaks, deregulation, and other policies that disproportionately benefit the wealthy, leaving ordinary Americans behind. The American Society of Civil Engineers reported that infrastructure investment in the U.S. has lagged for years, despite overwhelming public support for improvement. Yet, lobbyists for industries like oil, gas, and construction frequently block efforts to address these issues, protecting the interests of the powerful at the expense of necessary reforms. This results in crumbling infrastructure, unsafe roads, and a failure to address climate change — all of which harm average citizens while benefiting a few wealthy individuals and corporations. The presence of lobbyists also perpetuates a cycle of corruption and complacency in Congress. Studies, such as those conducted by The Brennan Center for Justice, have shown that lobbying increases political polarization, creating an environment where lawmakers prioritize the interests of special interest groups over their constituents. Lawmakers are often more responsive to the demands of lobbyists than to the needs of the public, further eroding trust in government. This practice is fundamentally undemocratic. It weakens our ability to hold elected officials accountable, distorts the policy-making process, and fosters a system where policies benefit a few at the expense of the many. Lobbyists should not have more power than the average American voter. It’s time to rein in lobbying and restore a government that truly serves the people. I urge you to support efforts to limit the influence of lobbyists in our political system. We must prioritize the interests of all Americans over the few who can afford to buy influence.