Number: RS22226
Title: Summary and Analysis of Provisions of H.R. 2412, the Special Interest Lobbying and Accountability Act of 2005
Authors: Jack Maskell, American Law Division 
Abstract: This report provides a summary and brief analysis of the provisions of H.R. 2412, entitled the Special Interest Lobbying and Ethics Accountability Act of 2005. The provisions of H.R. 2412, as introduced, address four general areas of federal law and congressional rules dealing with ethics and lobbying. Initially, the bill amends the federal Lobbying Disclosure Act of 1995 to extend the information required to be disclosed by professional lobbyists and to facilitate the public accessability to those reports and disclosures. Secondly, the legislation extends the so-called "cooling off" period of the "revolving door" law to restrict certain lobbying contacts by senior Government officials and Members of Congress for two years after leaving the Government, and requires Members of Congress to publicly disclose current negotiations for future employment. The legislation also seeks to amend internal congressional rules on officially-related travel by Members, officers and employees paid for by outside, private third parties by increasing disclosure and requiring more diligence by Members and staff concerning the permissible source of private funding for such trips. Finally, the legislation would criminalize attempts by Members, officers or employees of Congress to influence certain private or public employment decisions on the basis of party affiliation and would also change internal congressional rules to expressly prohibit the taking, or threatening to take or withhold, official action on the basis of one's partisan affiliation or campaign support or contributions.
Pages: 4
Date: Updated August 23, 2005