Friend, In Donald Trump's America, a former weapons lobbyist is our Secretary of Defense. Even worse, Defense Secretary Mark Esper refuses to commit to not returning to Raytheon, where he made more than $1.5 million a year as its top lobbyist. Not only does his career history loom over every decision he makes, it might make him very rich if he lobbies in the future. Instead of Esper’s conflicts of interest spurring tougher revolving door restrictions, the Pentagon is pushing Congress to gut our current rules that prohibit Esper and other senior officials at the Pentagon from lobbying for weapons for at least two years after leaving their posts. Email your members of Congress now. Make sure we close the revolving door between those who sell weapons of war and our military’s leadership. Three years ago, the late U.S. Sen. John McCain imposed strong revolving door restrictions on military contractors. It stopped them from hiring former Pentagon officers as lobbyists or providers of “strategic advice” on winning lucrative government contracts. The Department of Defense deals in matters of life and death. It also receives more discretionary funds than any other government agency. We must keep these lobbying rules in place, so military spending decisions aren’t made based on what’s best for the bottom line of any corporation or individual. Tell Congress to keep strong lobbying restrictions for former senior military officials. Thank you for taking action,
Bret Thompson
Public Citizen’s Online Action Team P.S. Public Citizen — like many nonprofits and other small businesses — is feeling the financial strain of the coronavirus emergency. If you can, please consider donating to support the critical work we’re doing together. Anything you chip in today will be matched dollar-for-dollar. Thank you. | 
