Federal Legislation	August 15, 2007

Action Requested:
None at this time. HSLDA will provide updates if this bill is brought up as an amendment to another bill.

Background:
The purpose of this bill is to reform operations of the executive branch by requiring that executive branch officials record any significant contacts during each quarter between themselves and any private party relating to an official government action. “Significant contact” is defined as oral or written communication (including electronic communication) that is made by a private party who is seeking to influence official action by any officer or employee of the execute branch of the United States. The only exception would be made for lobbying contacts as defined by the Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995. A “private party” is defined as any person or entity, but does not include a federal, state, or local government official or a person representing such an official.

HSLDA opposes bill because it places more restrictions on ordinary citizens who attempt to contact officials in the executive branch.

Introduced: 2/12/2007 Introduced in the House.

Status:

2/14/2007		House committee/ subcommittee actions
2/14/2007		Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Unanimous Consent

Sponsor: Congressman Henry A. Waxman (CA-30)

Cosponsors: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:HR00984:@@@P (19)

Bill Summary and Status: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d110:h.r.00984:

HSLDA's Position:
Oppose.

Other Resources

S. 1—The Legislative Transparency and Accountability Act of 2007

H.R. 2316—‘Honest Leadership and Open Government’ Act of 2007

May 16, 2007—More Calls Needed to Protect Grassroots Lobbying