How Do I File Federal Lobbying Registration Forms?
In recent years, lobbying efforts have come under close scrutiny. As a result of the Lobbying Disclosure Act, all lobbying firms must file unique registration forms for each one of their clients. However, for clients whose lobbying activity does not (and is not expected to) exceed $3,000 in a quarter, no registration is required. Organizations that have in-house lobbyists who spend no more than $11,500 in a quarter on lobbying activities need only file a single registration.
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Instructions
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Download the necessary files on your computer that enable you to file lobbying registration and disclosure information with the U.S. government. The U.S. House of Representatives actually requires electronic filing. If necessary, download the appropriate software to view the form templates, which may be obtained from the House lobbying disclosure site.
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Obtain a Senate password. The Senate password will work for both the House and Senate systems. The passwords can be requested from the Senate's lobbying disclosure website.
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File your lobbying registration forms. Once you have installed the proper software to file and have a Senate password, you are ready to begin the electronic filing process. You must use this system to file both lobbying disclosure and lobbying report forms. Both websites have FAQ and troubleshooting pages for both Mac and PCs if you experience any difficulty in filing the forms. Contact information for the House and Senate offices is:
Clerk of the U.S. House of Representatives
Legislative Resource Center
B-106 Cannon House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Secretary of the U.S. Senate
Office of Public Records
232 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
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Tips & Warnings
The guidance materials for the Lobbying Disclosure Act are an excellent resource for determining the filing requirements for your particular situation.
References
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