ARRA Road Sign
Q: A few government agencies are still handing out stimulus money… and we may see another stimulus package passed. Are there currently any special restrictions on lobbyists regarding stimulus funds?
A: The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released final guidance regarding the restrictions on communications with the executive branch related to American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), also known as stimulus funds, on July 24, 2009.
The guidance allows lobbyists to speak with agency officials, but does restrict oral communications for registered lobbyists and non-lobbyists starting at the point when an application for funding has been submitted and ending at the point where the funding has been awarded.
Exceptions apply when the communication occurs at a widely attended gathering or the inquiry is of a logistical nature, as detailed in the guidance. Communications with lobbyists are still required to be disclosed by the agency official. Previously, the Obama administration and OMB stated that registered lobbyists were only able to submit written communications regarding specific ARRA projects.
Have a question for Compliance Q&A? Email your question to ehill@columbiabooks.com.
Tags: american reinvestment and recovery act, lobbying regulations, stimulus lobbying
