Lobbyists exploit massive loophole to wine and dine lawmakers, aides at fancy getaways - Leading the way is the nonprofit Congressional Institute, which is

In the nearly two decades since, the influence industry has blown a hole through those rules, according to a new analysis of House travel disclosure data by the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland in partnership with POLITICO. [...] Hancock/AP Source: Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at University of Maryland Kelle Strickland, president and CEO of the Congressional Institute, defended the role lobbyists play in the organization. [...] are former Hill staff, and they provide an incredible insight to the changing needs of Congress at the member level and at the staff level,’’ she said. [...] The Congressional Institute was incorporated as a nonprofit in 1987 to hold educational conferences that, according to its website, provide “space for Members and staff to discuss legislative priorities and strategies as well as develop professional relationships with each other and experts in their fields.” Lobbyists have been part of the Congressional Institute from the beginning. [...] And the public gets involved only on the heels of scandal.” Adriana Navarro, Caley Fox Shannon, and Taylor Nichols are reporters for the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism at the University of Maryland.