The American Bar Association has issued this press release, which begins: “A Task Force on Federal Lobbying Laws, organized by the American Bar Association’s Section of Administrative Law and Regulatory Practice, is recommending changes to federal lobbying laws that would broaden disclosure required by those involved in lobbying campaigns, address fundraising participation by lobbyists and strengthen enforcement of current law. The report, “Lobbying Law in the Spotlight: Challenges and Proposed Improvements,” represents the position of the task force, but does not reflect the views of the Section, the American Bar Association, its Board of Governors or House of Delegates.” [Disclosure: I am a member of this task force.]
Kudos especially to Ron Levin, the task force’s reporter, and Trevor Potter, one of the co-chairs, for their ability to achieve consensus among a diverse group of people and to draft a report which I expect will become an important document in any future efforts to change federal lobbying laws.