1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern about the potential conflicts of interest surrounding the fundraising efforts for the White House ballroom project. Recent reports have revealed a troubling connection between top Washington lobbyists and corporate donors that demands immediate investigation. According to a report by Public Citizen, three prominent lobbyists - Brian Ballard, Jeff Miller, and Reince Priebus - are spearheading fundraising efforts for this project. Alarmingly, two-thirds of the corporate donors (17 out of 26) are clients of these lobbyists' firms. This raises serious questions about the potential for undue influence and favor-seeking in our government. The lack of transparency in this process is equally concerning. The Trust for the National Mall has declined to provide details about the solicitation process, leaving the public in the dark about how these donations are being secured. Furthermore, most of the corporate donors have significant government contracts and are facing or have faced federal enforcement actions, adding another layer of complexity to this issue. I urge you to initiate a thorough investigation into this matter. We need to examine the relationships between these lobbyists, their corporate clients, and the government officials involved in the ballroom project. It's crucial to determine whether any quid pro quo arrangements exist or if there's any improper influence on government decision-making. Additionally, I ask that you push for stricter regulations on fundraising for government projects. We need clear guidelines that prevent lobbyists from leveraging their connections for private gain at the expense of public interest. Transparency must be mandatory in these processes to ensure accountability. The integrity of our democratic institutions is at stake. By taking action on this issue, you can help restore public trust and demonstrate your commitment to ethical governance. I look forward to hearing about the steps you will take to address these concerns and protect the interests of your constituents.