Lobbying Reform: Background and Legislative Proposals, 109th Congress

Publication Date: June 2006

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Politics

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Abstract:

In the decade since enactment of the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 (LDA), concerns have been raised about the capacity of Congress to oversee the activities of professional lobbyists. Lobbyists and others who seek to participate in public policy activities through the formation of coalitions and associations whose members may not be identifiable, and the use of grassroots campaigns that attempt to mobilize citizens to advance the message of a lobbyist's client have also raised concerns. Some lobbying activities have also been linked to campaign finance practices, congressional procedures regarding the acceptance of gifts from lobbyists, and the inclusion of earmarks advocated by lobbyists in appropriations legislation.

In the 109th Congress, legislative proposals related to lobbying focus on six broad areas, including (1) enhanced requirements for electronic filing of lobbying reports and semiannual reports required under LDA; (2) redefinition of the term "client" under the statute; (3) more detailed disclosure by lobbyists of which groups and entities are funding coalitions and associations they represent; (4) more detailed disclosure by lobbyists of the individuals in Congress and the executive branch they contact; (5) congressional Rules regarding the interactions of Members and staff with lobbyists; and (6) the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971, as amended, as it relates to lobbying activities.

Legislative proposals addressing some or all of those concerns introduced in the House thus far in the 109th Congress include H.R. 4975; H.R. 5036; H.R. 4948; H.R. 4920; H.R. 4682; H.R. 4799; H.R. 4787; H.R. 4738; H.R. 4696; H.R. 4671; H.R. 4670; H.R. 4667; H.R. 4658; H.R. 4575; H.R. 2412; H.R. 1302; H.R. 1304; and H.Res. 81. Measures related to lobbying issues introduced in the Senate include S. 2349, S. 2265, S. 2261, S. 2233, S. 2186; S. 2180; S. 2128; S. 1972; and S. 1398.

For further information, regarding the consideration of H.R. 4975 and S. 2349, see CRS Report RL33293, Lobbying and Related Reform Proposals: Consideration of Selected Measures, 109th Congress, by R. Eric Petersen.

On February 1, 2006, the House adopted H.Res. 648. The measure amended House Rules to deny admittance to the House floor and certain House facilities to former Members who lobby.

For further information regarding lobbying proposals and issues please see the CRS Current Legislative Issues page on Lobbying Disclosure and Ethics Reform at [http://beta.crs.gov/cli/cli.aspx?PRDS_CLI_ITEM_ID=2405]. This report will be updated as warranted.