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Sen. Durbin Seeks Clarity on Pam Bondi’s Lobbying History Ahead of Attorney General Confirmation Hearing

Senator Dick Durbin, who serves as the leading Democrat on the Senate Judiciary Committee, has requested comprehensive information from two federal agencies regarding Pam Bondi. This inquiry aims to assess whether her extensive background in lobbying for various corporations and foreign nations may result in any conflicts of interest if she is confirmed as attorney general.

Bondi, a former attorney general of Florida, has a notable history as a registered foreign agent. Her lobbying efforts have included representing the interests of nations such as the Dominican Republic, Qatar, Zimbabwe, and Kosovo. Additionally, she has worked with large corporations including Amazon, Major League Baseball (MLB), and Uber.

Under the stipulations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act, the Department of Justice (DOJ) has access to numerous disclosures pertaining to lobbying activities, which encompass written agreements, oral contracts, and detailed financial transactions associated with those who lobby on behalf of foreign entities.

In a letter detailing his concerns, Durbin highlighted that Bondi did not identify any of these lobbying relationships or clients as potential conflicts of interest in her Senate Judiciary Questionnaire. He emphasized the necessity for further information from the DOJ to evaluate how her previous work as a registered lobbyist could present conflicts should she be appointed as attorney general.

Moreover, Durbin reached out to the National Archives, requesting records concerning over 25 organizations that Bondi has lobbied for, specifically looking for any communications linked to executive branch agencies.

Several companies Bondi has represented in her lobbying career have had recent interactions with the Justice Department. Notably, the DOJ has scrutinized MLB’s exemption from certain antitrust laws and has come to terms with Amazon concerning issues surrounding its Alexa technology. Currently, Amazon is also confronting an antitrust lawsuit from the Federal Trade Commission. Additionally, General Motors and Carnival Cruises, both of which Bondi has lobbied for, reached settlements in various matters involving the DOJ.

While these matters may not have been active during Bondi’s representation, she has indicated in her disclosure forms that she is aware of ongoing DOJ matters from her past lobbying roles.

Although Bondi did not categorize any of her lobbying endeavors as potential conflicts of interest, she has assured compliance with DOJ ethics requirements should any relevant issues arise post-confirmation. In her statements, she mentioned her role as Chair of the Center for Litigation and Co-Chair of the Center for Law and Justice at the America First Policy Institute, where she has provided legal services in cases involving U.S. government entities.

“In the event I am confirmed, I will consult with the appropriate Department of Justice ethics officials and act consistently with governing regulations regarding these cases and legal matters,” Bondi stated.

As the Senate Judiciary Committee prepares for Bondi’s upcoming two-day confirmation hearing, the requests for additional information underscore the critical scrutiny her past associations will likely face during the evaluation process.

Source
thehill.com