Legislation affecting lobbying was introduced this week in both the Senate and House. Senate Bill 2896 would require lobbyists to disclose any conviction for bribery, extortion, embezzlement, illegal kickbacks, tax evasion, fraud, conflicts of interest, making false statements, perjury, or […]
Legislation affecting lobbying was introduced this week in both the Senate and House.
Senate Bill 2896 would require lobbyists to disclose any conviction for bribery, extortion, embezzlement, illegal kickbacks, tax evasion, fraud, conflicts of interest, making false statements, perjury, or money laundering.
A rather ambitious House bill aimed at restoring trust in Congress would impose a lifetime ban on lobbying for members.
House Bill 5946 would also prohibit members of Congress from being paid if Congress has not approved a budget on a timely basis; eliminate automatic pay adjustments; prohibit first-class airline accommodations; and prohibit House consideration of measures lacking demonstrable bipartisan support.
May 11, 2018 •
FEC Approves Campaign Request to Use Funds for Childcare
The FEC voted unanimously 4-0 to allow New York Congressional candidate Liuba Grechen Shirley to spend her campaign funds on childcare. In her petition, she cited two cases where male candidates requested to use donor funds for limited childcare expenses. […]
The FEC voted unanimously 4-0 to allow New York Congressional candidate Liuba Grechen Shirley to spend her campaign funds on childcare.
In her petition, she cited two cases where male candidates requested to use donor funds for limited childcare expenses.
The FEC ruled in an advisory opinion that Shirley’s expenses would not have existed if it weren’t for her run for office, and will therefore apply to any future candidates who may run for office.
Shirley said, “This groundbreaking decision will remove a major financial obstacle for working families and mothers at a time when women are increasingly considering elected office.”
Photo of Liuba Grechen Shirley via Facebook
May 30, 2017 •
“Close the Revolving Door Act of 2017” Would Enact Lifetime Lobbyist Ban on Members of Congress
Members of Congress could be banned from being lobbyists for life if legislation introduced this month becomes law. Senate Bill 1189, Close the Revolving Door Act of 2017, places a lifetime ban on current members of Congress from becoming lobbyists. […]
Members of Congress could be banned from being lobbyists for life if legislation introduced this month becomes law.
Senate Bill 1189, Close the Revolving Door Act of 2017, places a lifetime ban on current members of Congress from becoming lobbyists. Senators Michael Bennet, Cory Gardner, and Al Franken introduced the legislation, which also increases the statutory staff restrictions on lobbying from one year to six years.
Additionally, the bill bans lobbyists from joining Congressional staffs or committee staffs they lobbied for six years and increases the maximum penalty for violating the Lobbying Disclosure Act.
“Our legislation would put in place much-needed reforms-by not only banning members of Congress from becoming lobbyists, but also by making the industry become more accountable and transparent,” Franken said in a press release.
November 9, 2016 •
Washington Voters Say No to State Campaign Finance Reform, But Want Congress To Amend the Constitution
Despite strong support from democrats, Washington voters did not back Initiative 1464. The measure would have required new campaign finance disclosures, limited contributions by lobbyists and government contractors, and imposed a three-year waiting period on lobbying by former public officials […]
Despite strong support from democrats, Washington voters did not back Initiative 1464. The measure would have required new campaign finance disclosures, limited contributions by lobbyists and government contractors, and imposed a three-year waiting period on lobbying by former public officials and senior staff.
On the other hand, Initiative 735 was approved by 63.84% of voters. The measure will urge the state congressional delegation to propose an amendment to the U.S. Constitution regarding campaign financing. The measure also requests the state to ratify the constitutional amendment once passed by Congress.
October 18, 2016 •
Five-Point Ethics Reform Plan Proposed by Presidential Candidate Trump
On October 17, U.S. presidential candidate Donald J. Trump revealed a five-point ethics reform plan he intends to implement if elected. The proposal calls for a five-year ban on federal lobbying by executive branch officials, members of Congress, and congressional […]
On October 17, U.S. presidential candidate Donald J. Trump revealed a five-point ethics reform plan he intends to implement if elected. The proposal calls for a five-year ban on federal lobbying by executive branch officials, members of Congress, and congressional staff once they leave governmental service. It also calls for a lifetime ban on senior executive branch officials lobbying on behalf of foreign governments.
The plan will expand the definition of lobbying to include former government officials “labeling themselves consultants and advisors when we all know they are lobbyists,” according to the candidate’s campaign press release. Included in the ethics package is a request for Congress to pass legislation prohibiting registered foreign lobbyists from raising money for U.S. elections.
On March 17, two bills were introduced into the U.S. Congress requiring the disclosure of political intelligence activities. House Resolution 4809, The Political Intelligence Transparency Act, was introduced by Rep. Louise McIntosh Slaughter and Rep. John J. Duncan. This bill […]
On March 17, two bills were introduced into the U.S. Congress requiring the disclosure of political intelligence activities.
House Resolution 4809, The Political Intelligence Transparency Act, was introduced by Rep. Louise McIntosh Slaughter and Rep. John J. Duncan. This bill would subject individuals engaged in political intelligence to the same regulations and requirements as lobbyists, according to Slaughter’s press release. The bill amends the Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) by requiring registration and reporting of activities and imposes revolving door restrictions for members of Congress, executive branch officials, and their staff. An exemption exists in the bill for members of the media.
Sen. Chuck Grassley introduced Senate Bill 2738, a different bill also amending the LDA to require disclosure of political intelligence activities.
Photo of the United States Capitol by Martin Falbisoner on Wikimedia Commons.
December 23, 2015 •
2016 Omnibus Appropriations Bill’s Campaign Finance Changes
Among the riders in the federal 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill passed into law on December 18, 2015, were two provisions affecting campaign finance. Congress explicitly prohibited the Internal Revenue Service from making new rules concerning the political speech or activity […]
Among the riders in the federal 2016 Omnibus Appropriations bill passed into law on December 18, 2015, were two provisions affecting campaign finance. Congress explicitly prohibited the Internal Revenue Service from making new rules concerning the political speech or activity of 501(c)(4) organizations. The legislation also prohibits the Securities and Exchange Commission from issuing regulations requiring corporations to disclose their political activity to their shareholders.
The Senate’s version of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2016, Senate Bill 1910, contained language altering the law regarding coordination between candidates and political parties. However, opposition from both parties prevented this rider making it in the final passed bill. The final bill also did not include a rider from House Resolution 2995, the House’s version of the bill, which would have barred the use of funds to recommend or require any entity submitting an offer for a federal contract to disclose specified political contributions as a condition of submitting the offer.
Photo of the United States Capitol by Martin Falbisoner on Wikimedia Commons.
December 1, 2015 •
Federal Appropriations Bill Has Campaign Finance Changes Included
Changes to the federal campaign finance laws may be included in the looming appropriations bill Congress considers this month. The Senate version of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2016, Senate Bill 1910, contains language altering the law […]
Changes to the federal campaign finance laws may be included in the looming appropriations bill Congress considers this month.
The Senate version of the Financial Services and General Government Appropriations Act, 2016, Senate Bill 1910, contains language altering the law regarding coordination between candidates and political parties.
House Resolution 2995, the House’s version of the bill, contains three riders concerning campaign finance. One of its provisions would prohibit the IRS from using funds provided by the bill to determine a church is not exempt from taxation for participating in, or intervening in, any political campaign unless the IRS Commissioner consents, Congress is notified, and the determination is effective no earlier than 90 days after congressional notification. Another section of the House bill prohibits the SEC from using funds provided by the bill to require the disclosure of political contributions, contributions to tax exempt organizations, or dues paid to trade associations. A further change to campaign finance law included in the House version of the appropriation bill would bar the use of funds to recommend or require any entity submitting an offer for a federal contract to disclose specified political contributions as a condition of submitting the offer.
November 30, 2015 •
Monday News Roundup
Lobbying “Penalty against lobbying firm sends message to an industry unfamiliar with prosecution” by Marcus Howard in the Los Angeles Times New York: “Corruption trial: Adam Skelos laid out lobbyists’ views of upstate, downstate” by Chris Bragg in the Albany […]
Lobbying
“Penalty against lobbying firm sends message to an industry unfamiliar with prosecution” by Marcus Howard in the Los Angeles Times
New York: “Corruption trial: Adam Skelos laid out lobbyists’ views of upstate, downstate” by Chris Bragg in the Albany Times Union
Campaign Finance
“GOP rider would boost party spending” by Kenneth Vogel and Seung Min Kim in Politico
“Campaign Spending’s Gray Areas Are Getting Politicians Into Trouble” by Alan Greenblatt in Governing
California: “California campaign law’s loopholes allow donors to skirt limits” by The Associated Press in the San Jose Mercury News
Hawaii: “High Court Rejects Challenge to Hawaii Campaign Finance Laws” by The Associated Press on ABC News
New Mexico: “New Mexico lawmakers to discuss campaign finance reform” by The Associated Press in the San Francisco Chronicle
Ethics
“Funding for lawmakers’ portraits under fire” by Megan Wilson in The Hill
New Mexico: “Will 2016 be the year for ethics reform in New Mexico?” by Steve Terrell in The New Mexican
Elections
“5 takes on 2016 as the campaign kicks into high gear” by Glenn Thrush in Politico
“The 2016 ballot wars begin” by Shane Goldmacher in Politico
Congress
“Congress Has a List of Deadlines, Is Checking It Twice” by Emma Dumain in Roll Call
“Dems go digital with whip operation” by Scott Wong in The Hill
On June 2, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennett introduced Senate Bill 1480, The Lobbying and Campaign Finance Reform Act. According to Bennett’s press release, SB 1480 prohibits solicitations of campaign contributions from lobbyists when Congress is in session, eliminates lobbyist bundling […]
On June 2, U.S. Sen. Michael Bennett introduced Senate Bill 1480, The Lobbying and Campaign Finance Reform Act.
According to Bennett’s press release, SB 1480 prohibits solicitations of campaign contributions from lobbyists when Congress is in session, eliminates lobbyist bundling of large contributions, and amends the lobbying registration process to require a lobbyist to register if he or she makes two or more lobbying contacts for a client over a two-year period regardless of whether the lobbyist spends more than 20 percent of his or her time serving the particular client.
A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives this week would permanently close the revolving door allowing members of Congress to become lobbyists once they leave office. House Resolution 1740 removes the cooling off periods currently in the statutes. […]
A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives this week would permanently close the revolving door allowing members of Congress to become lobbyists once they leave office.
House Resolution 1740 removes the cooling off periods currently in the statutes. These periods require former House members to wait one year and former Senate members to wait two years before becoming lobbyists.
The bill’s sponsor Rep. Rod Blum states in his press release, “This bill would finally close the revolving door between Congress and special interest groups, restoring integrity to our political system and ensuring that politicians focus on representing their constituents instead of catering to lobbying groups who offer a lucrative post-electoral career.”
Photo of the United States Capitol at night by Martin Falbisoner on Wikimedia Commons.
March 18, 2015 •
Wednesday Government Relations News
Lobbying Connecticut: “State Lobbyists, Politicians Caught In Probe of Herbalife Billion Dollar Stock Gamble” by Edmund Mahony (Hartford Courant) for CTNow.com New Mexico: “House Democrat Questions Lobbyist Bill Delay, Seeks Probe” by Steve Terrell (Santa Fe New Mexican) for Taos […]
Lobbying
Connecticut: “State Lobbyists, Politicians Caught In Probe of Herbalife Billion Dollar Stock Gamble” by Edmund Mahony (Hartford Courant) for CTNow.com
New Mexico: “House Democrat Questions Lobbyist Bill Delay, Seeks Probe” by Steve Terrell (Santa Fe New Mexican) for Taos News
North Carolina: “Sex, Romance Would Be a Conflict of Interest under NC General Assembly Proposal” by Colin Campbell for Raleigh News & Observer
Texas: “Analysis: When a disclosure is no disclosure at all” by Ross Ramsey for Texas Tribune
Campaign Finance
New Jersey: “Springsteen Shows and Island Trips, How N.J. Pols Raise Millions” by Carla Astudillo (NJ Advance Media) for Newark Star-Ledger
Ethics
“Rep. Aaron Schock to Resign amid Spending Scandal” by Mike DeBonis, Robert Costa, and Paul Kane for Washington Post
“No, You Can’t See Congress’s Emails” by Rachel Roubein for National Journal
California: “Sen. Mendoza Under-Reported Money from Home Sale, Ethics Agency Finds” by Patrick McGreevy for Los Angeles Times
New York: “Schneiderman Issuing Ethics Plan Aimed at New York Legislators” by Jesse McKinley for New York Times
Legislative Issues
Tennessee: “House Committees Debate Bills in Secret ‘Pre-Meetings’” by Dave Boucher for The Tennessean
December 15, 2014 •
Federal Omnibus Bill Allows Increased Political Contributions to Political Parties
With the Senate passing the House’s omnibus bill, the limits for political contributions to federal political parties will increase when President Barack Obama signs the bill. Included as a rider with House Resolution 83 is an amendment to the Federal […]
With the Senate passing the House’s omnibus bill, the limits for political contributions to federal political parties will increase when President Barack Obama signs the bill. Included as a rider with House Resolution 83 is an amendment to the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 allowing additional contributions to political parties for presidential nominating conventions, for preparation for and the conduct of election recounts and contests and other legal proceedings, and for the construction, purchase, renovation, operation, and furnishing of one or more buildings for party headquarters.
An additional provision of the bill prohibits the federal government from recommending or requiring any entity submitting an offer for a federal contract to disclose, as a condition of submitting an offer, any political contribution, expenditure, independent expenditure, or disbursement for an electioneering communication by the offeror, its officers or directors, or any of its affiliates or subsidiaries.
Another provision included in the bill prohibits the federal government from paying for a portrait of an officer or employee of the federal government, including the president, the vice president, a member of Congress (including a delegate or a resident commissioner to Congress), the head of an executive branch agency, or the head of an office of the legislative branch.
The president has said he will sign the bill.
UDPATE: On December 16, President Obama signed the House Resolution 83 into law.
Photo of the U.S. Capitol by Martin Falbisoner on Wikimedia Commons.
July 22, 2014 •
Tuesday Lobbying and Campaign Finance News Update
Lobbying “New king of K Street” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill. “Business Bottom Line” in The Hill. “How to Disclose Your Lobbying While Keeping the Public In the Dark” by Ben Geman in National Journal. Texas: “Activist fined […]
Lobbying
“New king of K Street” by Megan R. Wilson in The Hill.
“Business Bottom Line” in The Hill.
“How to Disclose Your Lobbying While Keeping the Public In the Dark” by Ben Geman in National Journal.
Texas: “Activist fined $10,000 for not registering as lobbyist” by David Saleh Rauf in the Houston Chronicle.
Campaign Finance
“Want to reduce polarization? Give parties more money.” by Ray LaRaja and Brian Schaffner in The Washington Post.
“Politicos souring on FEC advice?” by Dave Levinthal in The Center for Public Integrity.
“Money gap: Why don’t women give?” by Anna Palmer and Tarini Parti in Politico.
Massachusetts: “Mass. Senate To Debate PAC Disclosure Bill” by The Associated Press on WBUR.
Ethics
“Stars may be aligning for transparency legislation” by Josh Gerstein in Politico.
Pennsylvania: “State Ethics Commission confirms investigation of Pennsylvania’s legislative sting case” by Charles Thompson in The Patriot-News.
Congress
“… And Congress punts” by Burgess Everett in Politico.
“Issues pile up in Congress” by Jake Sherman in Politico.
“One chart that shows Congress can actually get things done” by Chris Cillizza in The Washington Post.
“Members of Congress Plan to Live on Minimum Wage for a Week” by Scott Wilson on ABC News.
Government Tech and Social Media
“Washington D.C. Launches Open Data Policy, FOIA Portal” in Government Technology.
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