Washington Post analysis shows that 33 former NHTSA employees and DOT appointees left those jobs in recent years and now work for automakers

Work as lawyers, consultants, lobbyists, and other jobs that deal w/ government safety probes, recalls, and regulations

Reach of these former agency employees is broad – playing lead roles in helping carmakers handle investigations, including Toyota

They are on staff rosters for every major automaker and every major automotive trade group

Appear as expert witnesses and legal counsel for industry in major class-action lawsuits over auto safety

Several former Cabinet members have gone on to work for automakers including former transportation secretary Rodney Slater joining Toyota

Critics of the revolving-door practice say it contributes to flaws in federal oversight and enforcement

Members of Congress say legislation needed to prevent former employees from conducting business w/ agency for up to 2 years after leaving government jobs

Some former agency and department officials say revolving-door practice is common in every industry

Revolving-door issue will come up at a hearing Thursday held by a panel of the House Energy and Commerce Committee

Over the past several weeks, congressional hearings on Toyota have highlighted instrumental roles played by two former NHTSA officials