"If you think lawmakers are about to crack down on lobbyists, think again.

Sure, something called lobbying reform will slice through Congress like a warm knife through butter. But don't expect the legislation to transform how Washington works.

The only way to achieve fundamental change is to reduce the influence of money. Anything short of that is window dressing.

Unfortunately, superficial alterations are all that most lawmakers will accept. To go deeper and attack the capital's cash-driven culture would threaten what they care most about: getting reelected.

How else to explain the craziness on Capitol Hill?

Members of Congress are falling over themselves to denounce Jack Abramoff, the lobbyist who pleaded guilty to conspiring to bribe lawmakers and bilk his clients. They say they want to prevent Abramoff-like scandals in the future.

Yet a lot of what they're suggesting would do nothing of the sort. Abramoff and his business partner, Michael Scanlon, have admitted to violating laws that were already on the books. In other words, not a single new rule or statute is needed to serve as a deterrent to others for the crimes they committed.

So why are lawmakers so eager to act? One word: politics."

Get the Story:
Jeffrey H. Birnbaum: The Capitol's Culture of Capital (The Washington Post 1/23)
pwpwd

Lobbying Reform Bills:
S.2128 | S.1312

Related Stories:
Reform, gaming on agenda for members of Congress (1/20)
Editorial: Lobbyists not only ones in need of reform (1/20)
Republicans, Democrats seek lobbying reforms (1/18)
McCain bill to serve as basis for lobbying reforms (01/12)
GOP leader promises action on lobbying reforms (1/9)
Lieberman signs onto McCain's lobbying reform bill (1/6)
Opinion: Lobbying reforms won't reform lobbying (1/6)
Lobbying reforms sought due to Abramoff scandal (12/19)
McCain set to introduce lobbying reforms (12/15)
McCain expects 'lots' of indictments in Abramoff case (12/05)
Changes in tribal lobbying tactics discussed (12/2)
Dorgan vows to continue Abramoff lobbying probe (11/29)
Another Texas tribe involved in lobbying scandal (11/28)
Inside the BIA, according to Jack Abramoff (11/24)
Plea deal raises more questions about scandal (11/24)
Plea deal raises more questions about scandal (11/22)
Scanlon free to cooperate in lobbying probe (11/22)
Scanlon pleads guilty in lobbying probe (11/21)
Abramoff lobbying inquiry far from over (11/18)
Senate panel approves 14 bills at business meeting (06/30)
McCain seeks to close 'revolving door' in Washington (06/28)
Lobbying Report: Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians (6/27)
Lobbying Report: The revolving door in Washington (06/06)
Gaming leads to new concerns about lobbyists (05/26)
Who's lobbying who in DC: An Indian law firm (5/23)
Lobbying Report: National Indian Gaming Association (05/09)
Lobbying scandal prompts new look at tribal rules (05/09)