Former Rep. Istook Appears on House Floor Opposing Boehner Plan

[cal04]

http://www.rollcall.com/news/former_rep_istook_appears_on_house_floor_opposing_boehner_plan-207712-1.html
Updated: 8:09 p.m.

Former Rep. Ernest Istook (R-Okla.) appeared on the House floor Tuesday evening to urge his former colleagues to vote against a debt limit plan offered by Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) — even as GOP leaders were aggressively pushing Members for support.

His presence in the chamber may have violated House rules that prohibit former Members from lobbying on the floor.

Istook, a former appropriator who last served in Congress in 2007, is a distinguished fellow at the Heritage Foundation. He is not a registered lobbyist, but Howard Marlowe, president of the American League of Lobbyists, said that his registration status doesn’t matter and that “former Members are not supposed to lobby on the floor.”

Another lobbying expert disagreed, saying the rules only apply to former Members who meet the definition of a lobbyist.

[WhiteTara]

1. Since when did these bastards (born of no woman)

ever think they should follow any rule of law?

[gateley]

2. Who gave him the mic? Cantor? nt

[Still Sensible]

3. Istook is a clown, always has been

Heck, he was the pug nominee for governor here in '06 and lost to Brad Henry. Of course, Brad had done well in his first term--by Oklahoma standards--but c'mon, a GOP that can't win statewide office in Oklahoma is incredible. Of course, his views were Tea Party, i.e. crazy ass bat shit, before the hoard of loons started growing a few years ago.

[tritsofme]

4. Interesting, found these guidelines:

After Members of the House leave office, they are afforded certain courtesies and
privileges. Some are derived from House Rules, but many are courtesies that have been
extended as a matter of custom. Former Representatives who become lobbyists have
limited privileges.....

(1) Floor Privileges. Former Members of the House are entitled to admission to
the floor of the House while it is in session. However, they are not entitled to the
privilege of admission to the House floor and rooms leading thereto if they are (1) a
registered lobbyist or the agent of a foreign principal as defined in Rule XXV, clause 5;
(2) have any direct personal or pecuniary interest in any legislative measure pending
before the House or reported by any committee of the House; or (3) are employed for the
purpose of influencing legislation directly or indirectly, the passage, defeat, or amendment
of any legislative proposal. The Speaker may promulgate regulations that exempt2
ceremonial or educational functions from these restrictions.
By tradition, former Members of the House are also accorded floor privileges during
joint meetings or joint sessions of Congress. Former House Speakers are also entitled to
admission to the Senate floor during sessions of the Senate as long as they are not a
registered lobbyist, agent of a foreign principal, or are employed or retained for the
purpose of influencing legislation (Senate Rule XXIII).

http://congressionalresearch.com/98-962/document.php?study=Selected+Privileges+and+Courtesies+Extended+to+Departing+and+Former+Members+of+the+House+of+Representatives

Could easily run afoul of #3

[pkdu]

5. Agreed - Heritage Foundation is a prime example of it. nt