It’s the summer recess for Congress, and while many are returning to their districts, they may also be traveling elsewhere for meetings. It is important for lobbyists and organizations to know what is permissible so that they do not inadvertently pay for impermissible travel. The following list shows different groups, the travel that may be paid for, and the actions that those organizations must take to get travel sponsorship approved.
Source of Payment: Lobbyist, Lobbying Firm
Payment of Travel Permitted: None. Zilch. Zero. Never…
Exceptions: …unless an individual lobbyist is also:
- A relative
- A personal friend
- A significant other (Senate)
Source of Payment: Organizations, associations, corporations, labor unions or other entities employing or retaining a lobbyist to lobby only for the organization’s interests
Payment of Travel Permitted:
- One-day attendance at conference or meeting; pre-approval required
- Second day possible if approved
- Local transportation (including in Washington, D.C.) for “widely attended event”
- Local transportation attendant to site visit
Exceptions/Requirements:
- Submit for pre-approval (14 days in advance for the House; 30 days in advance for the Senate)
- Must have pre-approval in order to pay for travel
- Local transportation for site visit or widely attended event does not require pre-approval on the travel forms
Source of Payment: Organizations, associations, corporations, labor unions or other entities not employing or retaining a lobbyist or lobbying firm
Payment of Travel Permitted:
Senate:
- Three-day domestic trip
- Seven-day foreign trip
- No lobbyist participation allowed
House:
- Four-day continental United States
- Seven-day trip outside continental United States
- No lobbyist may accompany stores that carry electronic cigarettes Member/staffer on any segment
Exceptions/Requirements:
For House and Senate:
- Submit for pre-approval (14 days in advance for House; 30 days in advance for Senate)
- Must have pre-approval in order to pay for travel
- Maximum stay extended for extraordinary reason only
- Extension of trip at personal expense of Member/staffer must be approved by ethics
Source of Payment: Private higher education institutions (even those employing or retaining lobbyists)
Payment of Travel Permitted:
Senate:
- Three-day domestic trip
- Seven-day foreign trip
- No lobbyist participation allowed
House:
- Four-day continental United States (Four 24-hour periods)
- Seven-day trip outside continental United States (Seven 24-hour periods)
- Lobbyist may accompany Member/staffer
Exceptions/Requirements:
For House and Senate:
- Submit for pre-approval (14 days in advance for House; 30 days in advance for Senate)
- Must have pre-approval in order to pay for travel
- Maximum stay extended for extraordinary reason only
- Extension of trip at personal expense of Member/staffer must be approved by ethics committee
Source of Payment: 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organizations including those employing or retaining lobbyists
Payment of Travel Permitted:
Senate only:
- Three-day domestic trip
- Seven-day foreign trip
- No lobbyist participation allowed
NOTE: House treats 501(c)(3) charitable and educational organization same as other entities, except for private universities
Requirements/Exceptions:
- Submit for pre-approval 30 days in advance
- Must have pre-approval in order to pay for travel
- Maximum stay extended for extraordinary reason only
- Extension of trip at personal expense of Member/staffer must be approved by ethics committee
For more information or to purchase the Lobbying Compliance Handbook click here.
