Lobbying Disclosure Resources & Information
House/Senate Lobbying Disclosure Guidance (PDF)(Revised July 16, 2008)
Congressional Research Service Lobbying Law & Ethics Rules, 2007 Updates (PDF)
Lobbying Disclosure Act Definitions
LDA Penalties
The Lobbying Disclosure Act prescribes civil and criminal penalties for failure to comply with its provisions.
Specifically:
Whoever knowingly fails: (1) to correct a defective filing within 60 days after notice of such a defect by the Secretary of the Senate or the Clerk of the House; or (2) to comply with any other provision of the Act, may be subject to a civil fine of not more than $200,000, and whoever knowingly and corruptly fails to comply with any provision of this Act may be imprisoned for not more than 5 years or fined under title 18, United States Code, or both.
Lobbying Disclosure Act and False Statements Accountability Act of 1996
The False Statements Accountability Act of 1996, amending 18 U.S.C. 1001, makes it a crime knowingly and willfully: (1) to falsify, conceal or cover up a material fact by trick, scheme or device; (2) to make any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation; or (3) to make or use any false writing or document knowing it to contain any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or entry; with respect to matters within the jurisdiction of the Legislative, Executive, or Judicial branch. The False Statements Accountability Act does not assign any responsibilities to the Clerk and Secretary.
Source: U.S. House/Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act Guidance (revised July 16, 2008).
