The Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007: How to Comply with New Lobbying and Ethics Rules

October 11, 2007 from 9:00 am to 11:00 am (EDT)

When the 110th Congress convened in January 2007, lawmakers identified ethics and lobbying reform as one of their first priorities. After significantly amending its internal rules in January, on July 31, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the Honest Leadership and Open Government Act of 2007 S.1 by a margin of 411 to 8. Days later, on August 2, the United States Senate followed suit. President Bush is expected to sign the Act into law in the near future.

S.1 contains what are being termed the most comprehensive and far-reaching revisions to ethics and lobbying regulations since the Watergate era. The new measures govern conduct not only by lawmakers, but also lobbyists and the companies, associations, and organizations that retain lobbyists. Certain of these new provisions take effect immediately, and all will be effective for 2008. Thus, it is essential that advocates are aware of the practical implications of the Act and begin adjusting their business and record-keeping practices accordingly.

Please join Kelley Drye’s Campaign Finance and Political Law Practice as Partner David Frulla reviews the new ethics and lobbying rules in a not-to-be-missed complimentary seminar.

Topics of discussion will include:

  • Lobbying Disclosure Requirements
  • Earmarks
  • Political Contribution and Bundling Disclosure
  • Congressional Travel
  • Gift-giving to Staff and Lawmakers
  • Revolving Door” Provisions
  • Private Employment Negotiations