Trade associations still do not want to be included in the stealth lobbying coalition provision of the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act (S.1). The Hill reports, "Trade groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce say a new lobbying law could require the release of their member lists, violating freedom of association protections granted by the Constitution." The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers have sent a letter to the Secretary of the Senate and the clerk of the House asking for "guidance" on how to interpret the new reporting requirements.

BNA Money and Politics ($$) reports on further implementation of the new lobbying and ethics law (S.1) which amends the Lobby Disclosure Act of 1995. Reportedly, new federal lobbying disclosure reports will allow lobbyists to make one single electronic filing, as opposed to filing separately with both the Senate and House. Many are also anticipating instructions on how to comply with the gift and travel restrictions. The Senate Ethics Committee also released on Nov.13 new forms on privately sponsored travel. Meanwhile, a House ethics task force will offer a plan for an independent office, but outside groups or individuals will not be able to file a complaint. The panel will be appointed by the House speaker and minority leader.

Kent Cooper, a disclosure expert and former Federal Election Commission official who closely monitors reports on congressional travel, told BNA: "The August recess gave several organizations the opportunity to switch strategies and fund several major trips that included a large number of members." The sponsors and lawmakers were reassured by new procedures requiring sponsors to get pre-approval from the House ethics committee before each trip, ensuring that the trip complies with the rules, he said.

Eventually the approval of the trips will be available online. A part of the new law requires the House to set up an online database with travel information by August 2008 and a similar database for Senators is required by January. The Senate Ethics Committee is expected to announce by Nov. 13 whether the new travel rules will go into effect on that date or will be delayed. Until then, senators and staff can continue travel without pre-approval and without the new limits on travel sponsorship.

An article in Roll Call ($$) addresses another element of carrying out the ethics and lobbying bill that was signed into law in September, the stealth lobbying coalition disclosure provision. Coalitions will have to disclose any organization that contributes at least $5,000 per quarter and actively participates in the lobbying campaign. Trade associations are not exempt from the rule, which means they could be forced to disclose their members. As a result, many trade associations are threatening to sue, arguing that forcing groups to name their members could violate First Amendment rights. They also assert that as a 501(c)(6), they already face reporting requirements from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). A representative from the American Society of Association Executives was quoted as planning to seek a legislative change, and other trade associations are planning on sending a letter this week to the House Clerk and Secretary of the Senate outlining their proposed guidelines.

For more information on implementation of the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act, read this article from the latest Watcher.