Reply #14: Pelosi & Waxman introduce "anti-cronyism" bill - nice if it works [View All]

[Nothing Without Hope]

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=104x4904295
Thread title: Dems introduce 'anti-cronyism' bill

Dems introduce 'anti-cronyism' bill

Pelosi, Waxman Introduce Anti-Cronyism Bill

9/27/2005 11:06:00 AM

To: National Desk, Congressional Reporter

Contact: Brendan Daly of the office of House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, 202-226-7616 or Karen Lightfoot of the office of Congressman Henry A. Waxman, 202-225-5051

WASHINGTON, Sept. 27 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Today, Congressman Henry A. Waxman and House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi introduced the Anti-Cronyism and Public Safety Act, which would prohibit the President from appointing unqualified individuals to critical public safety positions in the government.

"President Bush has handed out some of the country's most difficult and important jobs - leadership positions in public safety and emergency response - to politically well-connected individuals with no experience or qualifications," Rep. Waxman said. "This common sense legislation will end this practice and ensure that public safety is back in the hands of those who are trained and experienced in protecting the public."

The bill would require any presidential appointee for a public safety position to have proven, relevant credentials for that position. In addition, the legislation bars from appointment to an agency any individual who has been a lobbyist for an industry subject to the agency's authority during the preceding two years.

(snip - more at posting thread and in original)

It's that lobbyist part that will especially make this non grata to the GOP and probably some Dems - that revolving door has been a staple and indeed a prized employment perk for a long time. Bush, of course, will fume over the idea that anyone would DARE to suggest that they have any say in his appointments.