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Congressional officials close lobbyist termination loophole

In an ongoing attempt to clarify lobbying disclosure requirements, the Secretary of the Senate and the Clerk of the House of Representatives have further updated guidance on de-registration as a federal lobbyist. The newest information, issued June 16, allows lobbyists to de-register if time spent lobbying drops below 20 percent. De-registration is also permitted when no further lobbying contacts are expected. This amendment to the guidance—the expectation of no further lobbying contacts—closed what many saw as a loophole from earlier, June 9 guidance that allowed lobbyists to de-register if they had just one contact with a covered official in a quarter or did not expect… Read More