Analysis revealed that dozens of earlier federal executives now offer their services for automakers. Former federal officials are carrying on lead roles in assisting carmakers to manage federal investigations of auto defects, like those for Toyota’s uncontrolled acceleration problems.

A Washington Post analysis showed that nearly 33 ex- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration representatives and Transportation Department delegates abandoned their jobs recently and now work as automakers’ lawyers, consultants, lobbyists and in different jobs which are associated with government safety inquiries, recalls and regulations.

The influence of these former agency employees is immense. Their names strike on staff rosters for each primary automaker, every primary automotive trade group and as expert beholders and legal counsel for the industry especially in auto safety class-action lawsuits.

Many former Cabinet members have committed to work for automakers. Toyota hired Rodney E. Slater, the transportation secretary beneath President Bill Clinton, to manage its North American Quality Advisory Panel, that helps the company with quality and safety issues.

Any law will not ban these officials from migrating directly from government into industry. But critics considered this practice has contributed to defects in federal administration and enforcement, and many representatives of Congress say legislation is required to avoid former employees from doing business with the agency for nearly two years after leaving government jobs.

By MND A01