Tauzin declines top lobbying job
Lawmaker to consider 'future' after term ends
By Ted Barrett
CNN Washington Bureau
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A spokesman for Rep. Billy Tauzin says the congressman is not accepting the job offer "at this time."
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WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Bowing to pressure from Democrats, a leading Republican lawmaker who had played a key role in crafting prescription drug legislation has ended talks to become the top lobbyist for the pharmaceutical industry, his spokesman said Thursday.
"He told them he's not accepting the position at this time," said Ken Johnson, spokesman for Rep. W.J. "Billy" Tauzin, R-Louisiana. "He won't make a decision about his future until he leaves Congress. This has become a monumental distraction and he wants to put it behind him."
The decision follows weeks of complaints from Democrats who said it was wrong for Tauzin -- who until earlier this month was the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has oversight of the drug industry -- to accept the high-paying job. Just last year, Congress passed a Medicare prescription drug bill that will earn billions for the drug companies, and Tauzin played a leading role in House negotiations on that measure.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-California, repeatedly raised the possibility that representatives from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America began job talks with Tauzin during the Medicare negotiations, something Tauzin vehemently denied.
Privately, some Republicans had also voiced concern that the job offer created a perception problem for their party, as some Democrats have questioned whether the Medicare changes will help big drug companies more than they will seniors. Government watchdog groups also criticized the job offer.
Tauzin and Pelosi had a "clearing of the air" in a private conversation on the House floor Thursday, Johnson said.
"Billy recognized that legitimate perception concerns were raised even though he did nothing wrong legally or ethically," Johnson said. "He recognized that some eyebrows were rightfully raised about the discussions. It's a legitimate concern, he can understand that."
Tauzin, who in recent months sought guidance twice from the House Ethics Committee on how to properly seek outside employment while still serving in Congress, told his attorney Monday not to hold talks with any other potential employer until he leaves Congress, which he announced he would do at the end of this term.
