Friday, January 19, 2007

Grassroots Lobbying Provision Stripped from S.1

The Democrats were under great pressure to complete their ethics and lobbying reform bill. The comprehensive bill approved last night unfortunately did not include Sec.220 for grassroots lobbying disclosure, after Senator Bennett's amendment was passed calling for the removal of the measure. As the Washington Post reports; "One provision that was stricken from the bill last night would have forced interest groups to disclose funds spent on grass-roots campaigns that implore the public to contact their representatives about legislation." The amendment was passed by a vote of 43-55. We are disappointed that a majority of Senators voted to eliminate disclosure of "Astroturf" lobbying which would let the public know who is behind big money spending on grassroots campaigns. The next step is ensuring this measure is in the House lobbying reform bill, and thus brought to conference. We applaud those Senators who voted against the amendment and in favor of keeping the provision. As Senator Levin commented during debate last night;

I would also like to clarify just who is required to disclose as a lobbyist under this provision, as there seems to be confusion over this point. Paragraph (b) of section 220 clearly states that individuals who are not registered lobbyists now would not have to register as a lobbyist under this provision so long as their expenditures are only directed at grassroots lobbying. This provision is intended to shed light on the dollars being spent by lobbyists. It in no way affects individuals who want to call or write their Member of Congress.

The Senate also voted by 27-71 against creating a proposed Office of Public Integrity.