Wednesday, February 14, 2007

House Lobby Reform Package Set for March

The House began consideration of lobbying reform legislation, with specific attention towards the lobbying of executing branch officials. Yesterday the Oversight and Government Reform Committee considered H.R. 984, the Executive Branch Reform Act of 2007. The bill would require senior government officials to report significant contacts with lobbyists to the Office of Government Ethics. According to BNA Money and Politics ($$), the bill could be attached to the House's lobby reform legislation expected to be voted on in March. This will expectantly include changes to the Lobbying Disclosure Act. Among the possible reforms is a requirement for grassroots lobbying disclosure, requiring a report of all lobbying contacts with members and staff, and disclosure of campaign contributions that are bundled.
Update:The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee voted 29-0 to approve HR 984.

Posted by Amanda Adams