The history of lobbying is quite old, long and complex. People of similar opinions and beliefs regarding a certain issue have always formed their respective special interest groups. In the United States, the idea of special interest groups has for many years aroused mixed reactions from different quarters. Some people condemn it as vile result of democracy, while others tolerate them and actively engage them. A decade ago, the scope of federal health policy was perhaps too small to attract the attention of special interests groups in health. But today, the role of lobbyists in health policy making is indisputable. Examples of health special interest groups of particular highlight include The American Medical Association, The National Black Nurses Association, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Federation of American Hospitals among others. These special interest groups have actively being lobbying mostly through hired experts– influencing policy making and allocation of resources – when policy makers are considering voting for a certain health policy issue (Fincham, 2011). These lobbying groups have thus played a great role in health policy legislation which particularly important to the healthcare system as it establishes the services that are offered, provided, and the funding mechanisms. An example is the recent signing of the Obama Healthcare Reform Act into law.
Regulating Special Interest Groups is quite controversial because in a democratic system, power is derived from the people being governed. But courts have consistently held that limiting lobbying activity is quite legitimate since their sole aim is to influence legislation by directly advocating a firm position of their members. However, some of their activities are held loose. For example, it should be of great concern the amount of funds Political Action Committees (PACs) raise for their preferred candidates. There should be a regulation on the amount of funding lobbyists can give or a candidate can receive or accept from all interests groups. This is a perhaps overdue and the Congress should give it the attention it deserves. Some special interests groups may use funding to corrupt incoming government in favor of their interests – either to shoot down or promote a certain legislation of interest to them. Therefore, there is fear that too much funding from such groups may compromise the incoming leaders especially during an electoral process. My response is well protected by the First Amendment to the American Constitution and by many federal and state laws. Indeed, the articulation of the response especially on the proposal of regulation of special interests groups is a form of advocacy against unpopular public policy in which the amount of PACs funding to candidates is not limited and the amount of money a candidate can receive. Hence, this response is a fruit of the freedom of expression guaranteed in the United States constitution
Reference
Fincham, J. E. (2011). Healthy policy and ethics. Gurnee, IL: Pharmaceutical Press.
